Robust stance on militancy needed

There is no alternative to a robust response with surveillance, road side checks and monitoring of sermons at religious gatherings

The Holey Artisan carnage last year, during the fag end of the month of Ramadan, has made Bangladesh a name which is mentioned when the issue of the rise of religion based militancy is discussed across the globe. Though the government has cracked down heavily on elements which may have the potential to upend social harmony and create anarchy, fighting against an almost invisible enemy is always tough. Even more difficult is to track down individuals who harbour extreme beliefs and are determined to carry out an act of subversion. 
Practically speaking, the authority can take firm measures against organized militant groups intent on causing harm, but sensing malicious desire in isolated individuals is impossible. Of course, the government needs to be cautious and monitor any possible development of radical ideas within community but the approach has to be well thought out and not entirely based on creating a sense of fear in larger society. 
The approach has to be a blend of stern actions preceded by social interaction involving law enforcers reaching out to social leaders, especially the younger section, for counselling and regular motivational talks. 
The reality is, most extremists who have been associated with suicide bombings or terror attacks are young and unless the authority reaches to this impressionable section, any large scale operation, irrespective of how well equipped, will fail to forestall future mishaps.  The police have a significant role to play since it has to take the role of social counselling which has not been explored in Bangladesh as the law enforcing force had always been kept apart and used, recklessly, as a political tool. 
There is no alternative to a robust response with surveillance, road side checks and monitoring of sermons at religious gatherings, but at the same time, concerted efforts are needed to ensure that the masses begin to see the law enforcers as a trusted ally to whom they can confide without fear. 
Thankfully, we now live in an era where platforms for interactions are a few clicks away. The government must optimize the options of the social media age, bring the police, lawmakers and even Islamic scholars on the same dais for constructive talks. 
The grim truth remains: those who are determined to do harm will not listen to reason and, therefore, as we welcome the tough position of the authority on militancy we hope that at the family level, parents will play their roles in debunking misconceptions that may drive their wards towards militancy.  

 

Robust stance on militancy needed

There is no alternative to a robust response with surveillance, road side checks and monitoring of sermons at religious gatherings

The Holey Artisan carnage last year, during the fag end of the month of Ramadan, has made Bangladesh a name which is mentioned when the issue of the rise of religion based militancy is discussed across the globe. Though the government has cracked down heavily on elements which may have the potential to upend social harmony and create anarchy, fighting against an almost invisible enemy is always tough. Even more difficult is to track down individuals who harbour extreme beliefs and are determined to carry out an act of subversion. Practically speaking, the authority can take firm measures against organized militant groups intent on causing harm, but sensing malicious desire in isolated individuals is impossible. Of course, the government needs to be cautious and monitor any possible development of radical ideas within community but the approach has to be well thought out and not entirely based on creating a sense of fear in larger society. The approach has to be a blend of stern actions preceded by social interaction involving law enforcers reaching out to social leaders, especially the younger section, for counselling and regular motivational talks. The reality is, most extremists who have been associated with suicide bombings or terror attacks are young and unless the authority reaches to this impressionable section, any large scale operation, irrespective of how well equipped, will fail to forestall future mishaps. The police have a significant role to play since it has to take the role of social counselling which has not been explored in Bangladesh as the law enforcing force had always been kept apart and used, recklessly, as a political tool. There is no alternative to a robust response with surveillance, road side checks and monitoring of sermons at religious gatherings, but at the same time, concerted efforts are needed to ensure that the masses begin to see the law enforcers as a trusted ally to whom they can confide without fear. Thankfully, we now live in an era where platforms for interactions are a few clicks away. The government must optimize the options of the social media age, bring the police, lawmakers and even Islamic scholars on the same dais for constructive talks. The grim truth remains: those who are determined to do harm will not listen to reason and, therefore, as we welcome the tough position of the authority on militancy we hope that at the family level, parents will play their roles in debunking misconceptions that may drive their wards towards militancy.