Extortionists' stranglehold

The sharp reaction has been prompted by the murder of a businessman which followed at least three other killings in recent times. Only some decapitated limbs of the murdered man could be recovered by police as far-out as in Munshiganj.

The businessmen are desperately trying to bring their utter helplessness to focus. The allegations about police inaction are serious enough to draw the attention of the law enforcement high-ups. Though an official of the DMP has tried to refute the charges, questions regarding the efficiency and sincerity of police have not been answered fully.

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The families of victims have usually been scared of naming the criminals or lodging any FIR. In such cases, the police need to volunteer to provide security cover for the hesitant relatives to come forward. Unless they did so, they cannot earn the confidence of citizens. People would like to know what are they doing to allay the threatened businessmen's fears? The home ministry's decision to deploy 50 undercover teams of police is welcome, but nothing will change the situation as along police cannot ensure that people will not be exposed to the wrath of the criminals for complaining against them.

There is considerable difference of opinion about the crime situation in the ruling alliance itself. While a senior minister has stated that law and order in Dhaka has worsened further, the home ministry holds an opposite view. It is evident from the recent incidents of crime that the minister's position is closer to the truth.

The government must take a firm stand on the issue. The criminals have be brought under the purview of speedy trial -- it must be a clear and quick process of investigation, prosecution and handing out of conviction to the culprits. At times suspected criminals are arrested and we would be told by police that no more information could be divulged in the interest of fair investigation. Fair enough, but we would like to point out that stock responses to sensational crimes do not help the cause of justice, nor do they restore people's confidence in the existing law enforcement system. People are interested in results.

The businessmen of old Dhaka have raised an issue that surely has relevance to other parts of the city, or other places in the country in varying degrees. The law enforcers have to ensure the security of business community in order to keep the wheels of trade and commerce moving.