A country-wide combing operation launched by the government is a response to the worsening law and order situation, and it is expected that this initiative will help curb surging crimes. Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday announced the combing operation amid the public outcry over the recent killings, including that of the brutal murder of Lal Chand alias Sohag in broad day-light near Mitford Hospital in the capital. This is a well-intentioned action of the government aiming to ensure safety and security of people.
Sohag, a scrap trader, was brutally killed in broad-daylight, sending shock waves across the nation. People burst into protests across the country soon after a video footage of the gruesome killing went viral. The horrible incident, which took place near a major public hospital, manifests a slide in the country’s law and order.
Law enforcers have arrested seven of the 19 suspects in connection with the incident. Some of accused picked by identifying them through video footage. But what remains unclear is the readiness of law enforcers during the incident.
According to police sources, some of the accused in Shohag murder case have political links to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its associate organisations.
BNP alleged that the government is purposely creating anarchy to use it as a pretext for delaying the next national polls. However, the home adviser outright denied the allegation.
We will be able to develop the country into a more
secure and safe abode for people only there is a
political will, which needs
organisational reforms and public engagement
We think the combing operation is a good initiative, but it lacks proper strategy. Although it may produce short-term gains through mass arrests and heightened surveillance, but record shows that it will produce no long-term effect.
According to experts, poverty, ignorance, lack of employment opportunities, political impunity and a weak judicial system are mainly blamed for the rise in criminal activities.
Judicial reform is a must to bring out positive change in the society. In most cases, hardened criminals are released on bail and again resort to criminal activities. We think this practice should be stopped. The legal process must be expedited, open and free of political interference. We have to work together to create an atmosphere where people will live without fear.
At the same time, members of law enforcement agencies should work with a commitment to ensure security of people. Police should earn people’s confidence by working professionalism. Digital surveillance, public hotlines and community policing may help restore a sense of security among people and shared
responsibility.
The government should carry out such combing when needed in the great interest of the country and its people.
The aim of the combing operation should not only be to nab the criminals, but also to destroy their dens. We will be able to develop the country into a more secure and safe abode for people only there is a political will, which needs organisational reforms and public engagement.
