The attack on Prabir Sikder has brought forth a series of statements which are directed against the culprits. But something more is needed to ensure the security of journalists. The criminals have to be brought to justice as a matter of top priority. Failure in this respect will be costly for us in the long run, for it will be a defeat for the righteous, and a victory for the enemies of the people and the press. That conditions in the country's jails are oppressive is common knowledge.
Some recent reports indicate that the sufferings of inmates have intensified further.
Overcrowding in the jails is frequently reported. Insanitary toilets and unhygienic environment which follow from overcrowding are another common story. A report in a Bangla daily published two months ago showed that in the Dhaka Central Jail which has a capacity for 2623 inmates was holding more than nine thousand. Corruption on the part of jail employees further vitiates the atmosphere. It is learnt if the right persons can be kept in good humour an inmate can make any kind of transaction, including one relating to drugs, from within the jail.