Editorial
Hooligans in the street
Stark manifestation of lawlessness
It seems gangsters have a free rein on major city thoroughfares, while members of the law-enforcing agencies look away.
The case in point is Monday's incident at Sheorapara bridge point. Bullies armed with lethal weapons and in cahoots with the conductor and helper of a human hauler beat up mercilessly two commuters in full view of the on-duty traffic sergeant and a passing vehicle of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab).
The traffic sergeant and the Rab personnel gave their own excuses as to why they could not intervene and save the victims. Taking advantage of this situation the hooligans had a field day with their victims and then left the spot unchallenged.
It is totally unacceptable that the citizens including commuters and pedestrians will remain at the mercy of criminals on the streets in this way. Police or any other members of the law-enforcing agency cannot evade their responsibility in averting any such untoward incident happening before their own eyes.
The way the commuters were assaulted by some transport workers and their hired goons somewhat reminds us of the lynching of six youths at Aminbazar last year. The only difference is the Sheorapara victims were left with injuries. Such acts of outrage take place from time to time at different places in the country, a large percentage of which go unreported.
The incident sets off an alarm clock for the law-enforcers to mount greater surveillance at numerous vulnerable points at highways and streets.
This being the festival season with heavy movement of people, the criminals will be on the prowl. Matching the scenario the government must increase the number and frequency of police patrol on the streets to ensure safety and security of the citizens.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments