According to media reports eight people were burned, two of them badly, in Comilla recently in a mindless petrol bomb attack on a running bus. This gruesome incident was really unexpected as the country has been passing through a relatively stable time in the last few months. The bomb attack has brought back to mind the disturbing images of such attacks during the BNP-led opposition's countrywide blockade early this year. The police have yet to identify and nab the perpetrators however.
But in the recent event, there was no political programme on the day. It is worthwhile to note that the attack occurred the day after the Election Commission had declared Jamat-e-Islami ineligible for polls. Be that as it may, nothing can justify this type of barbarism. Nobody can be allowed to play with the lives of the general people in the name of politics. According to the Anti Terrorism Act 2009, if any person burns to death or inflicts grievous hurt on anyone or makes an attempt to do so using petrol or any ignitable substance, he shall be sentenced to death and liable to fine also. Unfortunately, the law has rarely been properly enforced and these criminals, masquerading as political activists, have repeatedly gotten away with murder.
The police clearly have failed in its duty to resist these elements. Law enforcement personnel who show great enthusiasm in assaulting unarmed female social activists are apparently clueless regarding how to deal with the bomb throwers. Both the present government and the BNP government have used violent protests, including strikes and blockades, when in opposition. When in power, they have condemned such tactics as terrorism. Their confrontational style and mutual distrust has contributed to the political unrest.
 Having said this, the major political parties have often been reluctant to take stern actions against the religious extremists who resort to violence at any given opportunity. These parties are threatening the very foundation of a country that fought bitterly to separate from Pakistan in 1971. The authorities should adopt a zero tolerance policy when dealing with those who attack innocent people in a cowardly fashion to achieve their political ends. The police should take all measures to break their vicious network. In any democratic society, there is bound to be differences of opinions. However violence must never be tolerated. Being lenient on bomb throwers will only embolden them.