The entire city has been abuzz with the news of 15 army officers produced before the international crimes tribunal where they were accused of involvement in two cases of enforced disappearance.

These officers were brought in what was reportedly an air-conditioned prison van that did not look like a cage on wheels. They were not handcuffed. Nor did the police personnel deployed there to ensure their security manhandle them. The army officers were not made to wear flak jackets or helmets either.

They walked from the prison van to the court and back without being robbed of their human dignity. It was rather refreshing to see the accused not being treated as criminals until they are proven guilty. In fact, they are treated as if their sentences have begun even before their trial.

But today made it quite plain that tight security does not mean police constables have to jostle with those in custody, nor does it necessitate handcuffing the accused as they come to court. The prison van does not need to look like a moving cage either. The accused need not be treated as animals.

There have been a number of instances where politicians and businessmen have objected to the treatment they receive in public while on their visit to the court. But it was good to see that our police personnel can also be mindful of the dignity of those in their custody.

In fact, the idea was so novel that news outlets have gone so far as to run stories on the prison van and how luxurious it was. Many have questioned why the army officers should be treated so well. Judging from the volume of reactions and comments across social media it appears that many would rather see the accused suffer the indignity that is dished out to the politicians and businessmen aligned with the Awami League.

But it should be pointed out that today's police behaviour is how prisoners on trial should be treated at the very least. So, what can the police do then? They can simply stop with the barbarity. They can stop manhandling the accused. The police can stop cuffing them or pulling them by a rope tied around the waist. Sentences must not begin from the moment an individual is accused. Everyone has the right to dignity.