Tell-tale Signs
Urban experience is not a state of bliss anywhere in the world. But Dhaka looks destined for a dubious distinction in its share of new evils.
One of the more frequently reported urban nuisance in the recent times has been this growing trend of free eating at restaurants by groups of youth. The other day a shop owner was badly mauled for asking such a group to foot the bill. Recently a canteen on the Dhaka University campus was known to have been smashed twice in a week reportedly by the cadres of the ruling party's student front because the owner refused to pay heed to their orders to be entertained fau (Bengali for things that you don't have to pay for).
There is now a growing propensity towards anarchy and lawlessness everywhere which strikes fear in the mind about the future of this city of ninety millions. While a section of the society is getting literally filthy rich at the cost of the land's laws and institutions, another is sprouting like the proverbial hydra-headed monster for whom robbing others for self-aggrandisement seems to be as authentic as anybody's birth right. It is the law abiding , relatively unadventurous peace loving people with a tinge of devotion still left for ethics who seem to be worst affected appearing more like one caught between the devil and the deep sea.
Neither the social scientists nor the government think-tank seem to consider them as ominous signs for the days to come. We however do not share their smug complacence and feel unless the reins are held with certain ruthlessness now things might just go out of hand.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments