Editorial
Chief Adviser's address to nation
Curfew must be lifted at the earliest
CHIEF Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed in his brief address to the nation on Wednesday sought the cooperation of the people toward a restoration of normal conditions in the country. In the course of his remarks, he reassured the nation that the curfew imposed on the capital and other urban centres was a temporary measure and would be withdrawn once the situation improved.
While we welcome the CA's statement, we cannot but point out here that curfews cannot be a long-term measure towards ensuring law and order. It is, therefore, imperative that the curfew in force be lifted at the earliest. The duration of the curfew must be as limited in nature as possible, indeed should be curtailed in order for normal life to resume.
Such drastic steps, while they may become necessary in extraordinary circumstances, have a bad effect on livelihood. Those who lead lives as daily wage earners, such as rickshaw pullers and scooter drivers, find themselves in a straitjacket when a curfew or similar restrictive measure is in force. There is too the question of how countless numbers of people are deprived of medical treatment because of a shutdown of drugs shops during a curfew. The supply of daily necessities is also important.
Overall, a curfew brings life in general to a halt, with all its attendant results. We are happy that it was lifted for three hours yesterday and may also be done again for a similar if not a longer period. We hope these steps are a prelude to its ultimate lifting.
One cannot of course ignore the reasons behind the imposition of such a drastic measure by the government. The level of violence that erupted in the nation's capital as well as other places in the country following a clear resolution of the issue of the army camp at Dhaka University has been totally inexplicable, unacceptable and unwarranted. The vandalism that was demonstrated all over Dhaka on Wednesday left the nation in a state of disbelief and shock. With scenes of unmitigated violence in such places as Mirpur, Satmasjid Road and other places repeatedly shown on the television channels, it became clear that vandalism had been let loose and strong steps needed to be put in place to roll back the violence. The imposition of a curfew, from such a perspective, is therefore understandable. And yet let us note once more that thoughts should be given to its lifting at the earliest in order for people to go about their daily business.
There is today a paramount need for peace and normal conditions to be restored in the country. In this context, we have noted the timely statement issued by seven eminent citizens. Their appeal for a peaceful approach to the issues that we face and their emphasis on not losing sight of the bigger goal of democracy is a message that all of us can build on. At this critical moment in Bangladesh's history, the need for introspection and calm cannot be over-emphasised.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments