Escalating violence brings curfew
Restraint on all sides imperative
Yesterday's outbreak of rapidfire violence following the Dhaka University campus incident was so serious that curfew had to be clamped over six divisional cities including Dhaka. We have been witnessing, with a sense of great consternation, a descent to chaos and civic disorder of the worst kind, as the DU campus incident has apparently fuelled a full blown street outburst. When the students protested the assault on them, it was quite legitimate and we supported their demands for obvious reasons. Finally, the withdrawal of the army camp from the university area was expected to put an end to the demonstrations by the students, but yesterday it assumed the character of political demands with implications far removed from students' demands.
The issues that have now been raised by demonstrators could have been dealt with at a different level and under normal circumstances. And the most worrying news is that shops, buildings and vehicles were damaged freely in a rabid display of frenzied action. We are yet again steeped in deep political uncertainty as the mob psychology has overtaken rational thinking. The sudden turn of events brought life to a standstill in many places.
The government for its part could no longer remain a passive bystander to the turmoil. It has to find a way out, as persistent violence will only mean suffering of the common people. What started off as spontaneous protest by students had regrettably been taken over by politically motivated elements. Demands for immediate withdrawal of emergency, however desirable, should not have stemmed from the present situation. This has to be thought out more seriously.
This paper has repeatedly demanded the restoration of indoor politics. A time-frame for that could be a first step.
However, now the immediate issue is the duration of the curfew. We hope it will be lifted soonest as it is likely to have serious impact on the economy, the market of daily necessities, not to mention on public confidence.
Meanwhile, we urge upon all concerned to show maximum restraint and not try to exploit the situation for narrow gains.
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