Editorial Views
Why law and order situation still uncontrolled a year after mass uprising
Bangladesh is currently going through a phase of commemorating the mass uprising. Through various events, the unprecedented fiery moments of last year are being remembered with pride. But it must also be said with regret that the uprising is perhaps not being remembered with the brightness it deserves. The reason for this lies in a sense of insecurity among the people. This insecurity is not only about day-to-day life, but also about the future of Bangladesh. On one hand, the deterioration of law and order threatens public safety, and on the other, economic and political instability also leaves citizens feeling insecure about the future.
Take action against arbitration cruelty
Arbitration adjudication is a symbol of an ancient society that still exists in Bangladesh. While many social issues may be resolved through arbitration meeting, it never establishes the rule of law. More importantly, arbitration decisions almost always favour the powerful. Even more alarming is that arbitration proceedings often turn into violence and murder. A recent example of this was seen in the Hathazari upazila of Chattogram. According to information published in the media today (3 August), a father was allegedly beaten to death during a arbitration meeting convened over the 'abduction and marriage' of his teenage daughter in Chattogram.
Hold elections of central student unions of all universities
This is because such elections are immensely important in nurturing future leadership in the country. It is often said that DUCSU is the breeding ground for political leadership. Many of the country's political leaders had their initiation into politics on the Dhaka University campus. By contesting in DUCSU elections, these leaders began their journey in representative politics. For this reason, DUCSU was once called the second parliament of the country.
Ensure punishment for crimes committed by political party leaders, activists
The practice of occupying others’ property to establish party political offices has long been prevalent in Bangladesh. Numerous incidents of murder, killing, and violence have occurred over this issue. Recently, the nation witnessed yet another brutal killing of this nature. According to news reports, in an area of Narayanganj, a local office of a political party had long been set up inside an individual's personal shop. The actual owner of the shop, despite repeated requests, could not get the office removed. Eventually, when he demanded the rightful rent for the shop, he was brutally beaten to death.
Form high-level investigative committee to probe Muradnagar incidents
Since the current interim government came to power, Muradnagar in Cumilla has repeatedly been in the spotlight for the perpetration of brutal crimes. Particularly shocking was the killings of a mother, brother, and sister from the same family by hacking and crushing with stones in broad daylight, and the stripping and torture of a local female schoolteacher inside an educational institution, which caused a nationwide uproar. In addition, a private television channel’s investigative report this week has brought to light several other horrifying terrorist incidents.
Why abuse of women-children on public transport without redress
When travelling by vehicle, the ticket issued by the transport authority often contains the phrase ‘May your journey be safe’. But the question is, how safe is a passenger when travelling by public transport in Bangladesh? In particular, the matter that has now become a cause for concern is the abuse and rape of women and children on public transport. This is undoubtedly alarming and a major obstacle to women's empowerment.
Stop bribery
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir dropped a bombshell at an event in the capital on Saturday (July 26). Citing a businessman, he said, “Only yesterday, I met a major businessman who told me that previously he used to pay Tk 1 lakh in bribes, now he has to pay Tk 5 lakh. I don’t know how you would view this.”
Admitting fault not enough for forgiveness; strict action necessary
The simple Bangla meaning of ‘common sense’ is basic judgement. It is essential for any sensible person to possess this. Otherwise, they end up messing things up in every task. For those holding important positions in the state, common sense is even more crucial. But judging from the situation, it seems some members of our law enforcement agencies may have lost even this basic sense of proportion. Occasionally, they commit such ‘acts’ that leave one utterly shocked. Just like a report from yesterday has left us stunned.
A loss that compensation can't cover
Under the dredging project of Mongla Port, sand extracted from the Pasur River is being dumped onto surrounding arable land, which is damaging not only cultivable land but also fishery projects. Although local residents have been protesting this for several years, the government has taken no action to date. According to information received from the media on Saturday (26 July), Joymonir Ghol, the southernmost settlement at Chila union in Mongla, lies just before the Sundarbans. In the past few years, the livelihoods of hundreds of people in this region have changed due to the sand dumped from the dredging of the Pasur River.
Eliminate discrimination against women's football team
Bangladesh recently became the undefeated champion in the SAFF Under-20 Women's Championship by defeating Nepal 4-0. Earlier, in 2023, the indomitable girls had also won this title. The success story of the women footballers is quite glorious. Before becoming champions in the age-based SAFF tournament, the Bangladesh senior women's team created history in Myanmar. But the unfortunate news is that even after so much success, the women's football team is deprived. This question is not just for sports enthusiasts, but for all conscious citizens of the country: when will there be equality between male and female players?