Shocking attack on Sholakia Eid congregation
was satisfying to know
about the prompt and fitting response of the police to the attacks. A potential catastrophe was averted
Barely a week had passed since the gruesome killings had been carried out in a Gulshan Restaurant, now the target has been the countrys venue for the largest Eid gathering at Sholakia in Kishoreganj district. Two police officers, a woman and one of the attackers were killed. Thousands of worshippers were caught up in Thursdays incident at Sholakia.
The violence had reportedly begun at 8.45am when a group of some seven men attacked the outer police cordon just an hour before the prayers were due to begin. Though there was no immediate claim of responsibility by any of the known groups, but the information minister is reported to have said the attack was carried out by domestic militants attempting to topple the government and establish strict Islamic law in the country. We fail to make out of what form of strict Islamic law inspires to attack and inflict terror on a sacred place like a praying ground while killing other Muslims?
This unanticipated brutal act of terror has shaken the country for being the first major attack directed entirely at Muslims. However, it was particularly satisfying to have been informed about the prompt and fitting response of the police to the attacks. Had security measures were not so effective, the damage and number of death might have taken catastrophic proportions.
The day, timing and the venue for the attacks clearly marks the increasing level of audacious and reckless militant attempts on civilian targets. Those who attempt to cause terror in the name of Islam on a holy and auspicious event like the Eid day should not be anyhow perceived as terrorists who needs to be dealt with ruthlessly. The country is still reeling from the 13-hour siege of the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka on 1 July and the recent attacks on Sholakia praying grounds have just added another growing fear to our terrorism scenario Muslims or non-Muslims none are spared from the wrath of militants and extremists in Bangladesh.
More daringly, three Bangladeshis have subsequently appeared on a believed to be an Isis video threatening to continue the attacks by hinting at more dangerous and big-scale attacks. There is no scope to take these threatening frivolously.
Against the backdrop of such an ominous reality the country must collectively unite to deter any scale of terror attacks. We must also immediately pinpoint what are the factors turning our youths to become radicalised and violent. Lastly, we must ensure safety and protection to our law enforcers. The recent number of their killings has appeared alarming.
