Sliding law and order

There are two very ominous developments that we have to take note of. First, crimes like murder are being committed to settle even minor disputes. Killing has apparently replaced all other means of arbitration. There has also been a sharp rise in the number of petty crimes. The question that arises is what has emboldened the members of crime syndicates and why the law enforcers fail to make their presence felt. The other development is that the criminals are now targeting even ruling party activists who stand in their way. The murder of a local BNP leader at Tejgaon, who reportedly was leading an anti-crime campaign in his locality, proves the point. The way the crime was committed speaks volumes for the clout, and may be impunity, of the assailants. This kind of gunning down of an elderly man in broad daylight indicates that law and order has again taken a backseat, while killers and goons are enjoying a freehand.

Law and order, or the absence of it, has been a thorny issue ever since the four-party alliance came to power. The government decided to handle the issue the hard way through raising some elite crack forces, though the move drew a lot of flak from human rights advocates. But it is now clear that whatever respite the extreme measures like extra judicial killings brought was temporary. There has been no real change in the ground situation.

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The criminals might be taking advantage of the overall chaotic situation prevailing in the country. But then again, it is the duty of the government to make sure that the situation doesn't go out of control. Obviously, citizens must not remain exposed to criminal activities. The law enforcers have to go flat-out to contain the fresh wave of crime.