BCL violence deplorable, unwarranted

WE note with concern the latest unwarranted attack of unruly BCL activists on BNP activists who had gathered in Bakshibazar before Khaleda Zia's appearance there in two graft cases. Around 200 Chhatra League men, armed with iron rods and sticks, lunged at several thousand BNP supporters, turning what was a peaceful demonstration of support to a combat zone that left at least 45 people injured.

What is equally, if not more, reprehensible is that the police, instead of stopping the aggressors, teamed up with them to drive away the BNP men from the area. Even those that sought refuge at DMCH were not spared, and were beaten by BCL and pro-government staff.

It goes without saying that such violence, orchestrated by ruling men and seemingly endorsed by state authorities, signals a grave danger for an already vulnerable democracy. This year has witnessed a rapid shrinking of democratic spaces with repeated attempts to foil opposition demonstrations through state-sponsored violence and other means.

The question arises as to whether the BCL men acted independently or at the bidding of the government. If it is the former, the government and the prime minister herself, who has already warned her party men to behave themselves, must outline what actions will be taken against the hooligans.

The government must remember that the right to assemble is a constitutional right, which can only be suppressed at the cost of a democratic system and the credibility of the government. No party with a claim to long democratic traditions can afford to tolerate such actions without being described as autocratic.