Bangladesh: Sentence against Harkat-ul Jihad-al Islami member for 2001 bombing

The Dhaka Tribune

editorial published: 01:14 june 25, 2014

Justice at last
Tribune Editorial
Using religion as an excuse for such heinous crimes is in no way acceptable

We applaud the court’s decision to issue death sentences to eight members of the banned militant outfit Harkat-ul Jihad-al Islami, responsible for carrying out the bomb attacks in Ramna Batamul that killed 10 people 13 years ago. Their offence demands the most severe penalty of the land, and we hope the court’s verdict will be executed without delay.

On April 14, 2001, two powerful bombs were blasted in the midst of the Bengali New Year celebrations in the capital’s Ramna Park, killing seven people on the spot while three succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The court recently found 14 men guilty of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt – eight were given the death penalty – five are absconding – and six were sentenced to life imprisonment.

The culprits had reportedly carried out the attacks because the program was “anti-Islamic.” Using religion as an excuse for such heinous crimes is shameful, and in no way acceptable.

Family members and loved ones of the deceased have been awaiting justice for a very long time, and this verdict will perhaps bring them some consolation. We urge the authorities to do everything in their power to find the five absconders, and waste no time in carrying out the court’s verdict.
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