Punishing the constituency

Now, this is a case of discontent within the ruling party being brought on to the streets in a brazen manner. The first question that arises is, why did they turn their ire on the people and objects by no means responsible for the party decision? Sadly, such incidents only reflect lack of discipline and democratic behaviour within the party. The mayhem also shows that political activists have become so intolerant that they cannot even accept their own party decisions in good grace.

Another point of concern is that political activism seems to revolve around elections only. Personal stakes in getting elected have become too high to suit the needs of a democratic order. It seems party men cannot see anything beyond their future based on election.

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People expect a lot more disciplined behaviour from ruling party adherents than what they witnessed in Narsingdi. It is these same ruling party men who often blame the opposition for creating chaos and confusion through their agitational programmes.

While the opposition tries to put pressure on the government to accept its demands, the point of the ruling party activists turning anarchic is indeed not clear -- who were they addressing during their violent demonstrations?

The ruling party activists have to realise that they have a role to play in consolidating the democratic process, and they cannot indulge in violence without setting bad examples, as they did in Narsingdi.