Photo : Messenger
Finally, the fear factor returned as political activities took a destructive turn ahead of national elections. The clash between the police and political activists escalated – thereby turning the entire Kakrail area of the capital city into a battleground. Saturday’s showdowns were marked by burning police boxes and vandalizing public transports.
Amidst the melee, the residence of the Chief Justice was also attacked. BNP declared a day-long strike today, and leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami broke police barricades and seized the road from Arambagh intersection to Notre Dame College in the capital. The planned rally venue for Jamaat-e-Islami in Motijheel was earlier blocked by the police preventing the party activists from holding its rally there. Except for the area surrounding the south gate of Baitul Mukarram, Dhaka city fell into an uneasy calm.
These signs pointed to the looming turbulence in the country’s political landscape. The situation was tensed, and the mass people were understandably anxious about the overall political stability and law and order situation. The rigid stance of the ruling party and the opposition only complicated matters further.
To prevent outsiders from entering Dhaka, widespread arrests and house-to-house searches by law enforcement forces were conducted; police and RAB check-posts were set up at the capital’s entrances. According to media reports, police arrested around 1500 activists, including central BNP leaders, across the country in recent days.
The global spotlight focused keenly on the activities of both the ruling party and the opposition. The international reputation of the country hinged on these developments. Alarmingly, the United States and the United Kingdom warned their citizens to exercise caution in Bangladesh. This reflected their apprehension about the escalating political unrest. The United States even announced visa restrictions for persons obstructing fair, free, and participatory elections, urging the country to respect the democratic rights of opposition parties.
The prevailing political conflict and uncertainty bode ill for the country. It is now urgent for the ruling party and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint, while the opposition parties must demonstrate patience and tolerance, refraining from engaging in destructive activities. Amidst this turmoil, the common people are suffering due to rising commodity prices, and the country’s reserves are dwindling rapidly.
If the political situation deteriorates further, the economy could face a severe crisis. Given these concerns, it is imperative for both the ruling party and the opposition to act responsibly. Dialogue should be the preferred method to resolve political issues, and all forms of excesses must be avoided at all costs.
Messenger/Disha
