Photo : Messenger
In recent times, Bangladesh has witnessed increasing acts of violence, intolerance, and terror, sparking concerns about the future of peace and stability in the nation. The brutal and inhumane killing of a person on the suspicion of a thief in Dhaka University's F Rahman Hall recently is never desirable and unacceptable. Besides, incidents like the burning of a grave in Chattagram, attacks on shrines, and other forms of vandalism have shocked citizens and created a sense of fear. These mob justices are not good signs at all. People are asking why the government is struggling to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore harmony across the country.
The most troubling aspect of this wave of violence is not just the audacity of the perpetrators but the apparent inability of the authorities to bring them to justice. Despite promises from the government, arrests seem scarce, and those responsible for these heinous acts continue to evade punishment. This failure has raised serious questions about the state of law and order in the country. Why are these criminals not being apprehended? Why are we not seeing swift and decisive action from the government to restore peace?
In response to this growing chaos, the government has taken the dramatic step of deploying the Army with magisterial powers. It's a move that reflects the gravity of the situation—when civil forces struggle to maintain order, military intervention is often the last resort. But will this step be enough to restore peace and stability? Can the Army, with its newfound authority, bring an end to the violence, or will this escalation signal an even deeper descent into unrest? These are questions that only time can answer, and they leave the nation on edge.
Does the present interim government have failed to bring back stability and order in the police department? If yes, that will be a frightening issue. How long will you run military operations to handle the ongoing crises? Deploying the military in the field and giving them magisterial power is apparently a good decision, but wouldn't it be a concern for the near future? A lot of questions are coming out from the people. After all, we seek peace and harmony everywhere in the country. And it's the responsibility of the government to ensure it by any means.
At this critical juncture, the government needs to act decisively. The responsibility to ensure peace and harmony rests squarely on their shoulders, and the people expect nothing less. While we cling to hope, we also call for action. Because, in the end, the safety and well-being of every citizen must come before all else.
Let's discuss some steps that the government should take for stability in the long run. This crisis calls for immediate and well-structured intervention. The government must take decisive actions not only to restore peace but also to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Here are several key measures the government should consider to restore peace and rebuild public trust:
Strengthening Law Enforcement:
One of the most immediate steps the government must take is to bolster its law enforcement capabilities. For this, it's important to deploy a strong police presence everywhere, especially in all sensitive areas. Moreover, ensuring swift arrests and prosecutions is also important. Failure to promptly arrest and prosecute criminals is one of the main reasons for the continued unrest. The government must prioritize the apprehension of those responsible for the current wave of violence, ensuring they are brought to justice. Swift, transparent legal proceedings will send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated.
Deploying Military with Caution:
The government has deployed the Army with magisterial powers to maintain order. While this may be necessary in the short term, it is crucial to use military forces cautiously to avoid further escalation of tensions. To ensure this, the government should clearly define the Army’s role. The Army’s involvement should be temporary and focused on restoring immediate peace. It must not be used as a substitute for civilian governance or regular law enforcement.
Thus, ensure that the Army will work in close coordination with local police, civil administration, and community leaders to ensure that their efforts complement one another. Military force should be the last resort, used only when necessary to quell violence. Besides, ensuring transparency in operations is also important. Military operations should be conducted with accountability and transparency. Any abuses of power or excessive force will only deepen the sense of mistrust among the public and could fuel further unrest.
Reforming the Justice System
A robust justice system is crucial for lasting peace. Without fair and efficient legal processes, law enforcement efforts will be in vain. Therefore, the government must ensure timely trials. Delayed justice weakens the rule of law. The government should expedite the judicial process for those accused of terrorism, vandalism, and hate crimes. Special courts can be established to deal with such cases promptly, ensuring swift and fair judgments.
Address corruption in the judiciary also should be a matter of concern. Corruption within the judicial system undermines public trust and allows criminals to escape punishment. The government must take strong measures to root out corruption at all levels of the justice system.
Protecting witnesses and victims is essential too. It's been seen that several times, the accused people are being beaten in front of police. Many victims and witnesses of violent crimes may be afraid to come forward due to threats or fear of retaliation.
Preparing for Long-Term Stability:
While addressing the current wave of violence is essential, the government must also focus on long-term stability. Yes, the time span of the present govt is yet not predictable. But still, for the prosperity of the country in the long run, they should do something. This may involve developing a national peace plan. The government should create a comprehensive peace and security plan, outlining steps for conflict resolution, reconciliation, and rebuilding trust. This plan must involve stakeholders from all segments of society and be rooted in principles of justice, equality, and inclusivity.
Fostering good governance is also an important thing to do. Corruption, lack of transparency, and weak institutions contribute to unrest. The government should prioritize good governance, ensuring that institutions are accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. Besides these, the Govt should focus on promoting national unity and tolerance. Social divisions based on religion, ethnicity, or political ideology often fuel violence. The government has a critical role to play in promoting unity and tolerance across the country.
Addressing economic and social inequalities, improving access to education, providing social services, addressing the root causes of radicalization, ensuring media freedom, empowering community organizations, and encouraging public participation should also be the focus point of the interim government.
Finally, the current situation in Bangladesh requires a multi-faceted response. Restoring peace will not happen overnight, but with a well-coordinated effort involving law enforcement, judicial reforms, community engagement, and economic development, it is achievable. The people of Bangladesh deserve a future where peace, tolerance, and justice prevail, and it is the government’s responsibility to lead the way. By taking decisive and inclusive actions, the government can not only restore order but also pave the way for a more harmonious and prosperous nation.
The writer is a poet, columnist, and journalist. He can be reached at [email protected].
Messenger/Sajib
