We condemn Monday’s mob attack against Khaleda Zia’s motorcade in Karwan Bazar.
It is fortunate that damage and injuries were not worse when the BNP party chief’s vehicle was attacked by a large crowd of people.
Witnesses report bricks and various makeshift projectiles being wielded against vehicles by dozens of attackers who were reported to have been drawn from a crowd campaigning for an AL candidate nearby.
Although peace was restored and the police have now duly opened a case, the ruling party needs to answer for the disgraceful actions of some of its supporters.
There is never any excuse for violence and intimidation. For people to engage in vandalism for political purposes is beyond the pale.
AL leaders and candidates need to be unequivocal in condemning this incident. They must support the police in taking action against any of their supporters found to have engaged in vandalism or breaking the law.
Intimidation and thuggish behaviour have no place in democratic politics.
The government has a duty to ensure there is no repeat of this type of fracas. Most importantly, it needs to take steps to bring down the political temperature and not further fan the flames. Denying responsibility for the attacks -- in the face of strong evidence to the contrary -- is unhelpful. Dismissing or belittling the incident is even worse.
All citizens and politicians should be free to move around and engage in political campaigning without fear of vandalism and intimidation.