The events of Thursday night only highlighted what we have unfortunately known for some time now – the dismal state of our law and order.
While escalating violence and the deterioration of law and order is a distressingly familiar occurrence during election times, our law enforcement agencies have done little to help with matters, leaving ordinary citizens fearful and uncertain.
From fatal shootings to horrific lynching and burning deaths, we are seeing just how fragile the security environment has become. Yet, political programs and counter-rallies cannot become battlegrounds, and our institutions and people can never be allowed to become collateral damage.
It is the reactive nature of law enforcement agencies that remains most frustrating, with heavy patrolling only after tragedies occur time and time again, and little to no urgency displayed to apprehend those that cause death and destruction.
The Election Commission has rightly emphasized the need for vigilance, but words must translate into decisive action. At present, we have a security apparatus that lags behind events and during such a pivotal time, it is something Bangladesh simply cannot afford.
A lot is resting on these elections, and its credibility will depend not only on the ballots cast but equally on the environment in which they are cast. At a time when the world’s eyes are on Bangladesh, if what we continue to see are arson, mob justice, or targeted attacks, the very idea of our present and future democracy is compromised.
Law enforcement must get its act together and it must do so with immediate effect. How they respond over the next few weeks leading up to the election will determine whether we are truly ready for not just a free and fair election but also one that is safe.
