Editorial
Tiff over badminton game
How could it get so malicious?
A scuffle between two groups of young men in Barisal over a game of badminton led to violence and a young man died. That itself was a tragedy. As if that was not enough, malicious rumours were spread about an injured from the incident having died, that set-off violent retaliation and 16 houses belonging to Hindu residents in a neighbouring village were gutted. We are outraged.
We find no words strong enough to condemn such an attack on members of minority community especially in a country that is known for peaceful coexistence and harmony between different religious faiths. Why the local police could not prevent the occurrence is a pertinent question. The matter merits a thorough investigation.
At a time of heightened tensions, all concerned must be careful to avert any nefarious design that that vested quarters might be up to. We must ferret out the culprits and make them face the full force of law. It appears that trouble mongers wait in the wings to drum up communal feelings at the slightest of pretexts. We must beware of them.
Though it is the government's responsibility to protect minority communities, it falls upon majority community leaders to come to their aid in the interest of protecting the fabric of society. It is imperative that all steps necessary be taken to prevent any force from exploiting religious sentiments.
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