The question which is being raised in the country’s political circle is whether there is any government to ensure security of life and property of the people. The reasons behind this can be attributed to apparent indifference by relevant authorities to check incidents of crimes and killings taking place regularly across the country. Fulgazi Upazila Chairman Ekramul Huq was killed in Feni on Tuesday. He was killed by a group of unidentified masked men numbering more than a dozen when he was on way to his office in a car together with some others. His murder has created a tense situation in the area. Immediate after the case was recorded police raided different areas in the district and detained 23 people in connection with the gruesome murder. The supporters of Ekram staged a noisy protest on Dhaka-Chittagong Highway on Wednesday. The local unit of AL called a day long hartal in the Upazila for today in protest against the killing of their popular leader. They also expressed their anger over the role of the local law enforcement agencies centering Ekram’s killing. There is no mystery, the chairman was killed defying existence of any law enforcing authority, taking all the time needed openly. Our law enforcing agencies must not forget that they are paid to show their competence. Any incompetent person can be a minister in our country. He does not need to be literate.A case was filed against 36 persons including BNP backed Fulgazi Upazila chairman candidate Mahtabuddin Chowdhury Minar in connection with the killing of Ekram. Rejaul Huq Jasim, brother of the victim filed the case against Minar and 35 others unnamed. BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir however, described the killing as the outcome of the ruling party’s internal feud. It should be recalled that Upazila chairman of Dhobaura, Mymensingh Forkanuddin Selim Mridha was killed last year following clashes between rival groups of the ruling party. South Korea’s prime minister has recently resigned taking responsibility to a ferry capsize that has left nearly 200 dead. Prime Minister Chung Hong-won apologized “on behalf of the government for the problems that arose during the rescue operation.” He said. “I should take responsibility for everything as the prime minister, but the government can assume no more. So I will resign as prime minister.”Chung urged South Koreans to stand united, rather than divided.But the scenario is different in our country as members of victims’ families were seen staging angry protest for bodies of their dear and near ones of the Launch Miraz-4, which sank with more than 200 passengers in the Meghna at Daulatpur, Gazaria on May 15. It was the second ferry capsize in last two weeks. Many had to return home with only assurance of small amount of government’s compensation. Ferry accidents claimed at least 4,675 lives in last 39 years. Despite formation of scores of committees for finding ways to reduce ferry accidents little has so far been done to improve the situation.Nagorik Oikkya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said why people have to live in risk. He said, ” Who will take the responsibility of security of our life?” Meanwhile, increasing incident of abduction and killing, has become a matter of grave concern. Along with these incidents, both opposition and ruling parties are engaged in word of wars and also blame game against each other. The list of victims include political leaders, students as well as businessmen. Ignorance of one crime leads to another crime in the process. Criminals become more daring with the murder cases remaining unsolved.One of the pre-conditions for maintaining a higher economic growth is a stable law and order situation. Business communities have been asking for a stable business-friendly and political environment and several chamber leaders have expressed their concern over the prevailing situation. It is high time that the government, as well as the opposition parties realize the importance of a good and efficient law and order situation and prevent anarchy. Allegations are being made against RAB and police for abductions and murder at a time when three RAB officials including Col Tareq Sayeed Mohammad are on remand in connection with the seven murder case of Narayanganj.Even on Tuesday allegation was made against RAB official Major Sakib Siddique in connection with killing of Shahinur Alam in Bhairab, Kishoreganj. Seven persons were killed in different places on Tuesday while a businessman was abducted from his office at Benapole, Jessore on the day. Information Minister Hasanul Huq Inu told the media that since inception during BNP time in 2004, a total of 1949 members of RAB have been punished on different charges. He said at least 373 people were killed by RAB when BNP was in power. The number of deaths by RAB was 278 during the previous five year rule of AL government, he said. State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal however, claimed that there was nothing to be worried over the situation. He said that incidents of killings was comparatively less than in the previous year. He said close circuit camera would be installed at strategic places of the city to curb crimes like abduction and killings.
