Editorial
Terror threat on political leaders
All kinds of precaution should be in place
WE are concerned at the intelligence reports of a possible terrorist threat on the life of Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina, who has been a target of the extremists a number of times in the past. To be specific, she barely escaped death on 21 August, 2004 when 22 people had lost their lives in a grenade attack on an AL political meeting. Even earlier, Huji had reportedly plotted to kill her during her visit to Tungipara. This time around the security and intelligence agencies of the country informed Sheikh Hasina of a possible attack on her life by Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (Huji) and Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). In another report it has been said that a six-member suicide squad of Huji has been trained by foreign experts to eliminate Sheikh Hasina, and that both Huji and JMB have scores to settle with the BNP as well for banning the outfits following the countrywide series bomb blasts in 2005.
The disconcerting reports have come at a time when the whole nation is eagerly waiting to participate in the general election, scheduled to be held on 29 December. The occasion requires the top political leaders to travel across the country and attend meetings as part of their election campaign. And no doubt such travels outside the capital expose the leaders to threats of bodily harm. It is, however, good news that the Special Security Force (SSF) has taken due cognizance of the threat and put in place foolproof security arrangements for Sheikh Hasina, Khaleda Zia and other top leaders.
There is no denying that ensuring security of the political leaders should be at the top of the agenda of the law enforcing agencies of the country to help the Election Commission (EC) hold the election smoothly. While the SSF will provide extra security to the leaders, law enforcers should penetrate deep into the hideouts of the extremists and get to the bottom of any conspiracy being hatched. They must unearth the plot before it unfolds with manifest brutality. We hope the government will attach utmost importance to the safety and security of the political leaders before and after the election so that the transition to democracy is not jeopardised by any act of subversion.
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