Eight killings in just one week in Cox’s Bazar is indicative of the drastically deteriorating law and order situation in the area.
Local people are concerned about the deterioration of law and order in the area and are worried that if the district administration does not take stern initiatives to improve the situation, many killings could take place in the lead up to the next general elections.
Of the deceased, five people were killed during political programmes called by the BNP, two were killed in clashes between drug peddlers and one was beaten to death by a mob.
The killings took place in Teknaf, Chakaria, Kutubdia and sadar upazilas.
On October 24, two people were killed and 15 others injured in a clash between police and two groups of yaba sellers. The clash erupted over the both groups desire to establish supremacy in Teknaf upazila.
On October 25, two people were killed and over 100 injured in Chakaria upazila when activists of the 18-party alliance clashed with members of Border Guard Bangladesh and police.
Upazila unit BNP claimed the deceased, Mizan, 25, and Belal Uddin Badsha, 24, were Chhatra Dal activists.
Locals said when law enforcers barred BNP activists from bringing out a procession, the activists hurled crude bombs at law enforcers.
A chase and counter chase also took place during the clash and at one stage law enforcers opened fire on opposition activists, leaving two people dead on the spot.
On October 29, three people were killed and 25 others, including law enforcers, injured in Kutubdia upazila during clashes between police and BNP-Jamaat supporters.
The deceased were identified as Abu Ahmed, 50, Ismail Parvez, 25, and Azizur Rahman, 23.
Following the clash, a large number of law enforcers were deployed in the area to avoid further clashes.
Locals said after the hartal, the BNP and Jamaat-Shibir men were holding a rally at Dakkhin Dhurum Bazar around 6pm. The clash ensued as police intervened.
The clash lasted for around two hours, during which at least 25 people, including 10 police officers, were injured. Police claimed that the hartal supporters also opened fire on them.
On the same day, a youth was beaten to death by a mob in the town. The deceased was identified as Md Abdullah.
When asked about the law and order situation, Additional Superintendent of Police Tofayel Ahmed said law enforcers were always keeping an eye on the situation to ensure that law order are maintained.
