Ban on going to parks cannot be real solution — govt must ensure safety

The New Nation on Thursday reported that the historic Suhrawardy Udyan and its adjoining areas have become a sanctuary of thugs and criminals by restricting free movement of city dwellers and entry to this park has therefore been banned for students after sunset. Needless to say it is a good step since the break down of law and order is taking critical turn in the city and its lonely spots. These measures have been taken following attacks, snatching of valuables and even subjecting female members to sexual harassment. The lack of monitoring of law enforcing agencies has led the area to become a safe haven for extortionists, stalkers and sex workers after nightfall, as the report outlined quoting Dhaka University sources. Drugs like Yaba, heroin and ganja are easily available in the park areas from morning to midnight. There is no enforcement of discipline and police vigilance and anti-social activities have recently discouraged visitors to go to Suhrawardy Udyan and such other national parks. Interestingly, the Varsity authorities have restricted students to enter Suhrawardy Udyan after sunset after a large number of victims complained to the Proctor Office about growing criminal incidents in last few months.
According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner even though criminals are awarded various jail terms for carrying drugs, they secure bail soon and go back to their old ways. It is highly disappointing that an attractive location such as Suhrawardy Udyan has come unprotected in the hands of small as well as big criminals who have been using it as a safe haven to conduct illegal activities. A large number of innocent citizens have fallen prey to these criminals’ hands putting their life at critical risks. Not only have these criminals tainted such the dignity of the place, they have done so with the support of many ruling party students activists who partake in illegal activities or take ‘cuts’ from profits generated from the illegal drug peddling. The current efforts of law enforcers are not enough the Varsity has declared the area inaccessible by sunset. But driving away visitors is not a permanent solution. The criminals holding Suhrawardy Udyan hostage must be held accountable and it be cleared so that the area becomes safe and usable again. Ruling party student activists must also be charged or held accountable for their influence and support of the criminals so that muggers and sex workers will not get the safe haven in Suhrawardy Udyan and its adjacent areas over and over again. In our opinion public places like big parks and play ground must be freed from criminals so that city dwellers can take a walk unencrypted. The sanctify and peaceful environment of Suhrawardy Udyan and such other places must be protected. Crimes will be soaring and the government will restrict people’s free movement and freedom cannot be acceptable.