10 prominent citizens concerned over killings in anti-drug drive

GB news 24 desk//

Ten noted citizens on Saturday voiced serious concern over the recent spate of extrajudicial killings in the name of anti-narcotic drive and urged the government to stop it.

In a joint statement, they said, “We’re observing with deep concern that many people are being subjected to extrajudicial killings every day that are being called as killing in gunfights. Such killings are in no way acceptable in a democratic state and social system.”

Sammilita Sangskritik Jote General Secretary Hasan Arif issued the statement signed by the eminent educationists and cultural personalities, reports UNB.

The signatories to the statement are Prof Emeritus Anisuzzaman, Hasan Azizul Haque, Ramendu Majumder, Ataur Rahman, Mamunur Rashid, Nirmolendu Gun, Nasiruddin Yousuf, Mofidul Hoque, Golam Quddus and Hasan Arif.

They said they can realise the justification of the ongoing anti-narcotic drive as there are few families that could save themselves from the deadliness of drug.

Mentioning that sensational reports and information were punished in the media and on social media about people killed in the drive, the renowned citizens said, “People’s right to live as enshrined in the constitution cannot be snatched in such way.”

About the death of Teknaf Municipality Councillor Ekramul Haque, they said there was no such allegation against him in the past, and the Teknaf Mayor protested the killing.

Referring to the four audio clips containing recorded conversations between Ekram and his daughter and wife before and when he was shot dead by the law enforcers, the noted personalities said it is unthinkable in a democratic country and society. “Such an incident is enough to make the entire drive questionable and terrify people.”