Clashes continue

That is really cause for concern, since the parties will have to coexist side by side for more than three weeks before the election. Their aggressive mood was far too evident in the way they attacked each other, though there was no reason behind this kind of muscle-flexing and show of strength. It seems the activists of the two major parties are pretty much convinced that they have to overpower the rivals in the streets in order to get the upper hand in the election. What is always noticeable in this kind of violence is that neither side shows an iota of concern for the people who have to suffer because of senseless hooliganism. They seem to have taken it for granted that whatever they do will have to be endorsed and accepted by the peopleno matter how big is the price.

People have suffered a lot during the last two months of political agitation which primarily revolved around the antagonistic relationship between the BNP and the AL. However, they felt a bit relieved with the news of the AL-led 14-party alliance finally going to the polls. Unfortunately, their worries are far from over.

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What is needed now is a strong message from the parties and their leaders that they will maintain peace under all circumstances. The commitment must be clear and loud and the leaders should take a firm stand against their activists trying to clinch the issue through applying force. The candidates must also try their best to pacify the unruly elements whose activities may threaten peaceful holding of the election. The spirit should be one of accommodation, not confrontation.

Finally, we would appeal to the parties to duly recognise the right of citizens to live in peace. So far voters' concerns have hardly been reflected in the programmes launched by the big two parties. We hope there will be a welcome change in this respect in the run-up to the polls.