Shocking deaths one after another
The reactions
of those at the higher
echelons of power
regarding these killings were bewildering to many
When people were still in state of extreme sadness from the tragic murder of a Rajshahi University teacher, news came of the brutal killing of an ex-security guard of Kashimpur jail. More was to follow. Two men were killed at a city neighbourhood in broad daylight and the assailants managed to escapeas apparently they always manage to easily. On the same day two people were murdered in the port city of Chittagong. At the very least all these murders in such a short period of time points to the sheer incompetence of the law enforcers.
In Bangladesh the citizens learn to expect the unexpected and live with it. Murders no matter how heinous do not seem to shock the people anymore. Even in these times of general apathy these murders frightened and saddened the people and proved yet again that no one is safe and killers can operate here with evident impunity.
The reactions of those at the higher echelons of power regarding these killings were bewildering to many. And the common phenomenon of political parties blaming each otherwithout an iota of evidence continues unabated. It only requires common sense to understand that when an influential person makes irresponsible statement, it is bound to influence the investigation process.
While it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the citizens safety, it is also true that the police cannot guard every one of them. Having said that, we must reiterate that most of the persons killed and attacked allegedly by Islamic fundamentalists received death threats. And in most cases those who receive threats informed the police well before the attacks took place. Either the police did not take the threats seriously enough or they were unable to resist the extremists who issued death threats, committed the crime and more often than not got away with it. It almost resembles the days when robbers used to send letters before attacking a household.
There is no doubt the extremist threat is real in Bangladesh and there is no room for complacency and soft approach. In many other countries, counter-terrorism units of the law enforcement agencies have been successful in curbing acts of terror. Bangladesh can seek co-operation from the countries where counter-terrorist units are battling the menace of terrorism.
The fight against terrorism in all forms will be conducive to peace, stability and security of not only this country but the region as a whole. The public can also play a key role in supporting the counter terrorism units. By remaining vigilant, being security minded and having good security measures in place, the people can make the work of terrorists more difficult.
