There is absolutely no justification for the kind of behaviour that was exhibited both by Dhaka College students and New Market traders at the marketplace, where an isolated argument that took place on Monday mutated into a full-blown altercation between the two groups shortly thereafter.
With one person losing their life to the clashes, another on life support, and several journalists in the vicinity coming under attack for doing their job, we strongly condemn this incident as the act of hooliganism it was.
Although loud disagreements and even minor altercations between patrons and traders are a common occurrence in the New Market area -- one of the city’s more bustling marketplaces -- any incident that witnesses the vandalism of an ambulance with patients inside is enough to classify it as a criminal offense.
But for now, tending to the injuries of those affected by this incident is of paramount importance.
Our law enforcement must thoroughly investigate the incident and bring those who bear the brunt of the responsibility behind this incident to book, not limited to those who engaged in acts of brazen vandalism.
The incident was reportedly exacerbated after New Market traders attacked a number of students who had formed a human chain in protest of the earlier clash. If there is any truth to these claims, they must be looked into.
It is deeply disheartening that such an act of violence that witnessed several being gravely injured and also led to a life being lost occurred during the holy month of Ramadan -- a time when peace and harmony are to be elevated above all else.
A disagreement should not lead to violence, but when it does occur what led to such violence needs to be looked into and those responsible need to be brought to book.
