A report in Prothom Alo has revealed an astonishing fact – a large number of suspected militants are arrested but then get bail because their bail pleas are not contested. It may also be due to loopholes in the investigation or flawed charge sheet. After all, the decision of the court is based on the documents and evidence presented before it. Some of those on bail have gone on to carry out brutal murders of individuals they considered opponents of their twisted ideology. Over the last five years, 482 members of various banned militant groups have received bail.

While the courts may have given bail to these individuals, what is surprising is that in not many of these cases was there an attempt by the state to get their bails cancelled. At a time when antiterrorism is the number one priority for the government, and in the wake of so many murders owned up by militant groups, it is surprising that alleged terrorists should get out on bail.   

If the government is serious about combating religious militancy it must first make sure that members of groups the state has itself banned, and who are arrested on suspicion of terror, do not get bail. Public prosecutors must be on alert and immediately appeal for cancellation when such bail is given. Possible complicity of law enforcers with the arrested militants, and allowing suspects to get bail on technical grounds, must be eliminated. The law minister has expressed his dismay at the situation and has assured that he has taken steps to make sure that it is prevented. We hope the law minister will be successful in his efforts.