Attack on railway unacceptable

The blockade of Dhaka remains in effect. With it comes the arson attacks, and now the removal of fishplates on railway tracks resulting in derailment of bogies has added a whole different dimension to reprehensible behaviour. While we support the right of the opposition to congregate to hold rallies within the norms of democratic practices, this sort of act goes far beyond what can be condoned. With as many as 50 passengers injured as five carriages got derailed on route to Chittagong, we come face to face with political elements bent on creating chaos with no regard for public safety. We condemn in the strongest possible terms at this unwarranted escalation of endangering people's lives by putting into harm's way the lives of the innocent.

The opposition party leaders must realise that unless they rein-in on the more extreme elements within their ranks, the country may well descend into anarchy. With about twelve of the fifty people injured in the Dhaka - Chittagong rail incident, who is going to bear the responsibility should some of these individuals die? Will such an act of sabotage not work against the movement being waged in the name of the people? This was not the only incident of attack on railway that had until now remained beyond the scope of the anti-government movement. By showing indifference to safety of people, the opposition has merely hurt itself. The perpetrators of such actions must be brought to justice. Our concern at this point remains that public safety must be ensured at all costs.