Violence ahead of elections not desirable
The campaign for the National election will continue until 7:30 am on February 10.
There are only 9 days left. Usually, a festive atmosphere is created throughout the country during this time.
But this time, there is a slight lack of that atmosphere. There is a kind of fear and panic among people.
And one of the reasons for that is the deteriorating law and order situation. Just as crimes including murder and terrorism are increasing, so are political violence.
Police headquarters sources said that 144 incidents of election violence occurred across the country in the 45 days from December 12 to January 26 of this year.
Of these, 55 were clashes between rival candidates.
According to the sources, there were 11 incidents of intimidation and aggressive behavior, six incidents of attacks on candidates, and two incidents of use of illegal weapons.
In addition, there were 17 incidents of obstruction of campaign work, attacks on election-related offices and institutions, eight incidents of vandalism and arson, 10 incidents of blockades and protests, and 24 other incidents.
In the latest incident on Saturday, at least 15 people were injured between BNP-Jamaat clashes in Bhola and seven more reported in Cumilla.
On Friday, a clash occurred between leaders and activists of two political parties in Hatia, Dwip Upazila of Noakhali. At least 10 people were injured.
According to police and human rights organizations, 10 people were killed and 555 injured in 65 incidents of political violence in different parts of the country from January 1 to 29.
Crime analysts suggest that law enforcement agencies must be more responsible to control the conflict situation.
The existing panic in the polling stations must be eliminated. Along with political violence, other criminal activities are also increasing. There are constant incidents of murders or recovery of bodies.
It is learned that about 900,000 members of the law enforcement agencies will be on duty to ensure election security this time.
This large force will enter the field four days before the election. However, before this, special operations by law enforcement agencies are underway across the country.
But despite this, incidents of political violence are increasing in the country, which is something that election-related people are expressing strong concerns about it.
In the meantime, various countries, including the United States, have issued warnings to their citizens in Bangladesh due to fears of violence.
We hope that the administration will take all possible measures to improve the law and order situation to make the upcoming elections fair and peaceful.
An atmosphere of fear is not desirable in any way.
