The brutal hacking to death of blogger and writer Oyasiqur Rahman in Tejgaon on Monday morning cannot be treated as an isolated incident.
In its nature and apparent motivation, it has clear similarities with the murder of Shahbagh activist Rajeeb Haider two years ago and comes just weeks after the deadly attack on Avijit Roy.
The government has to do more to live up to its duty to protect all citizens. Authorities must not delay in fully investigating the background to Oyasiqur’s murder and identifying connections with other attacks.
In the last 10 years, over 15 academics and writers have been murdered in similar circumstances after personal death threats were made against them for their views on religion and related matters.
It is long overdue for the government to learn the lesson that it is not enough to act after murders have been carried out. More needs to be done to prevent such attacks by ensuring protection for people and groups who have been threatened and fully progressing cases against those who carry out violence.
The government needs to ensure full follow-up enquiries against any persons who issued threats against Oyasiqur.
It must also end impunity for people and groups who praise, threaten, or incite deadly violence by taking firm steps against anyone who issues death threats. Failure to do so is unacceptable as it only emboldens individuals who are minded to carry out such acts. The government must overcome past failings and act on its responsibility to protect citizens.