Dhaka: Expressing its deep concern over the ongoing countrywide anti-drug drive, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)on Thursday demanded judicial investigation into the killings of over 100 alleged drug traders in ‘gunfights’ during the drive.

In a press statement, TIB also said that the way the government is patronizing the exercise of excessive power, a culture of law violation is getting institutionalised.

Mentioning that every citizen has the right to get justice, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman questioned the legal acceptability of the government’s interpretation about the drive.

The way the ‘enlisted’ people being killed in ‘gunfights’ before proved guilty is unconstitutional, he said.

He said, ‘Though it is being said as ‘counter-shooting’ for ‘self defense’ but we do not know any legal process to ascertain its authenticity.’

Those who are being the victims of ‘gunfights’ are involved in drug dealing at field level and could provide important information for permanent solution to drugs, he said adding that, so in one hand the possibility of disclosing the truth is being destroyed while the main culprits in drug trade get out of dragnet.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the situation can be improved through identifying the main culprits behind drug trade following the existing law and ensuring exemplary punishment, and for this proper application of law by the law enforcers is enough rather than violating the law.

There is no proven method to control drug or prevent any crime through ‘gunfights’ in the entire world, he said.

The way law violation is being informally validated in law enforcement agencies, it is very much alarming for the country’s justice, governance and democracy, he said.