Editorial
Spurt in criminal activities
Rein in the godfathers
IT is disconcerting to note the increase in criminal activities in Savar industrial area, so close to the capital. This is perhaps a reflection of the general trend of law and order, despite the state of emergency.
Savar industrial area has been targeted recently by the criminals who have, reportedly, broken-in several industries and factories in the area. There are also reports of attempts to break into other factories. This situation cannot be countenanced any longer. There is a palpable sense of insecurity amongst the industrialists, factory owners and workers, the repercussions of which are likely to be felt on the economy if the criminals are not brought to book immediately.
It appears that the criminals of the area have graduated from petty crimes to large scale break-ins and burglaries, the victims blaming the spurt in criminal activities on the failure of the law enforcing agencies. The views of the locals are worth taking into consideration. There is substance in the suggestion that there is a direct correlation between the recent release of some of the local goons and criminals from police custody and the upward trend in crimes in the area. The mobsters are on the loose once again, and are now operating in big groups, and well armed.
The disturbing aspect of the matter is that these criminals are thriving under the support and sponsorship of some local bigwigs wielding both political power and money, some of whom, reportedly, hold elected position in the local government set-up.
While the affected industrialists and other victims of the criminals say that they have lodged complaints with the Savar Police Station (PS), the OC says otherwise. We do not know what to make of this situation
We grant that the law enforcing agencies are shorthanded. But the situation is not for the local PS alone to tackle. The police authorities must realise that Savar industrial area has grown unto a large complex that holds a large number of important industries. The criminal acts, if allowed to go unchecked, will have a negative impact on the economy.
We feel that there is the need for the police and other law enforcing agencies to be more proactive and, without waiting for reports, should increase patrolling and other oversight activities not only to preempt the lawbreakers but also to apprehend the masterminds and godfathers of the criminals.
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