A Faridpur police chief on Tuesday slammed the rising number of clashes in the district’s Saltha Upazila and stressed the importance of taking effective measures against the violence.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Alimuzzaman said that a town could not be a hotbed of violence.
“Digital Bangladesh is not about medieval-style skirmishes after every argument. Therefore, in order to prevent violence, qualitative change must be brought about in Saltha Upazila,” he added.
He was speaking as chief guest at a views exchange meeting in the upazila, organized by Saltha police.
Everyone needed to change perceptions and not fall into the trap of violence by being provoked by rural touts and village leaders (matabbars), said the SP.
“Vandalism and looting in someone’s home are borne by the persons affected. The leaders never take responsibility, they only mouth consolations and leave,” he continued.
From April 3 to April 13, five large-scale clashes took place in Saltha Upazila centering on attempts by different groups to impose dominance in the area.
A total of 91 people were injured in the incidents while two were even shot.
Among them, 22-year-old Israfil Sheik’s right leg had to be amputated. He has been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka.
At least 50 houses and businesses were attacked, vandalized and looted during the clashes.
Police had fired shots and tear gas shells to stop the violence.
The police also filed two cases under speedy trial provisions on charges of assault on law enforcers and obstruction of government work in the clashes. At least 33 people have been arrested so far.
In addressing the teachers and students present at the meeting, SP Alimuzzaman said apart from the education program,everyone should work together for the betterment of this society by making parents take responsibility for their children’s upbringing.
He held out the assurance that the police would be as strict as they needed to be to keep the environment normal. “No concessions will be made to anyone regardless of their rank or name.”
At the meeting, several teachers, students and journalists also suggested ways to stop the violence.
