Almost a week has passed after the Narayanganj tragedy. RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) has appointed an inquiry committee to investigate the brutal killings of the 7 persons who were first kidnapped, then murdered and whose bodies were thrown into Shitalakshya. From the very beginning the state minister of home affairs said that it was not a political killing. It was a business feud among the local groups of ruling party which resulted in this brutality.

Within a few days it was alleged that some high ranking officers of RAB stationed in Narayanganj were involved in these killings. They took bribe from one party and killed their opponents. This allegation came from the family of one of the victims. There was a demand from the public to withdraw RAB from Narayanganj and a one-day hartal was observed peacefully and very successfully. The government did not withdraw RAB from Narayanganj, but transferred some high ranking officers from there.

The Narayanganj killings have plunged the whole country into great fear and confusion. People are very afraid about their safety and security. Under High Court’s order an inquiry committee was formed very quickly and they also started investigating the case. Three high ranking officers were suspended and they are under interrogation. One of the suspended officers is a relative of a powerful minister of the present government. Though the accused have not been arrested yet, the government said if they are found guilty in the inquiry action will be taken against them.

The situation has become very complex and people are very sceptical about the quick completion of this enquiry. Though the government has taken some actions, these actions have not alleviated fear from the public mind. It seems that killing has become a regular feature in our social life. In the majority of cases inquiry committees appointed by the government in the past did not produce any result. Criminals escaped trial and punishment. Shah Mohammad Kibria, a prominent Awami League leader and ex Finance Minister was murdered long ago. The inquiry is unfinished till today and the killers remain at large. The mystery behind the murder of Sagar and Runi, a journalist couple is still unsolved. So what is the guarantee that this inquiry commission of Narayanganj killing will finish their inquiry quickly and the perpetrator of these crimes will face trial soon?

If this inquiry follows the path of the other inquiries in the past and there is an attempt to hush up the entire incident nobody will be surprised but depressed and dismayed. When a society fails to punish a criminal then they fail to free themselves from the evil power of the offenders. Civilization and humanity face danger and in this 21st century Bangladesh is facing the same predicament. 40 years ago when Bangladesh was a new born independent country 7 student leaders were abducted in Dhaka from Surja Sen Hall and brutally murdered at the premises of Mohsin Hall. The perpetrators of these crimes were caught and convicted, but ultimately the main accused escaped justice and fled from the gaol getting mercy from a military dictator. These types of kidnappings, rapes, killings have now become a day to day event in Bangladesh. We have progressed politically and economically but our social progress is somehow halted.

The rise of ultra-fundamentalism has increased political killings in Bangladesh. At the same time, social crimes have increased manifold. The repression on minorities and women are now going on almost unabated. We cannot control the social evils because our political system is very weak and corrupt. The social evils get patronization from the corrupt ruling circle. For this the police and other law enforcement agencies become toothless.

Though RAB has been accused of their involvement in Narayanganj tragedy but it is now obvious that the source of this barbarity was feud of interests between two rival groups of the same party. Unfortunately, this party is Awami League. Noor Hossain, the main accused of these murders is a local Awami League leader and almost all the victims were associated with Awami League. Selina, one of the victim's wife accused that Noor Hossain was involved in drug-trade, extortion, land grabbing and other illegal activities. That is why there was a feud between her husband and Noor Hossain.

Now it depends on the inquiry committee appointed under the instruction of the higher judiciary itself to uncover the mystery of these brutal murders and to bring the culprits to justice. RAB has to prove that they are not involved in this crime and to identify the real players behind this game. The inquiry committee should submit a credible report quickly so that they can earn the confidence of the people again. Otherwise they will suffer from people's suspicion and mistrust.

We often say democracy is a must for the progress of our society and country. But democracy cannot ensure a solid foundation in a society where crime is rampant and criminals are dominating. After the independence of Bangladesh all the democratic institutions were gradually weakened either by military or autocratic rules. Criminals were patronized and they established their stronghold in each and every sphere of our society. They are now even controlling the politics in our country. Both the main parties of the country can not claim that they are free from these evil forces. The weak and corrupt political structure could not produce a good and efficient administration- civil or military. The country is suffering from this ill for a long time. There is a new phenomenon in the politics of the country. Now there is news in the paper that hundreds of Jamaati, workers and ordinary leaders are joining Awami League and some ministers or state ministers are encouraging them. This is not a good sign for healthy democracy.

Jamaat is known as a fundamentalist party, a party which harbours terrorism and they are against secular and democratic statehood. If they join AL without any screening they will bring with them terrorism, anarchy in the party and medieval anti-democratic ideals. They have already invaded BNP and many observers think that BNP is now a political hostage in the hands of Jamaat. If Awami League follows the same path like BNP then it will also loose its character and credibility and the ultimate sufferer of this situation will be the country like present Turkey and Egypt.

The combination of social and political crimes together may take Bangladesh back to the 16th century's 'Mogher Mulluk' (The era of the Moghs). All development projects done by Hasina government which has earned praise by the world will fade away.

The Narayanganj tragedy should be an eye opener and make the government aware of two realities. If they want to provide people with peace and security then they will have to fight against the enemy within. There are now so many small but strong Mafias in both the main parties. They become extremely rich overnight by manipulating political parties and has now become monsters for people's peace and security.

Awami League as a ruling party should oust them first and then bring them to justice for their anti-social activities. If the party in power becomes strong and efficient they can influence the administration and can reorganize it for good governance. So the government should engage themselves to fight a two front war- one against the enemy within and another to reform their administrations.

Otherwise one Narayanganj tragedy will breed many more and the government will have to bear all the consequences. Like many other people I am also waiting for the outcome of the enquiry committee. They should complete it within the earliest possible time and bring the culprits to justice without delay.