The recent wave of political violence across the nation continues to show no signs of slowing down, with blockades and hartals having become a part of the daily routine for Bangladeshis. While protests and processions -- regardless of how inconvenient they may prove to be -- are still democratic rights of the people and of political opposition, a line must be drawn between protest and violence.
On Thursday morning, at least 12 cases of arson were reported to have taken place across the nation, with six of them being in the capital alone, according to a statement from the Fire Service and Civil Defense, with buses, trucks, vans, and other modes of transport being the targets in these instances.
The public at large has had enough of the callousness towards human life which paves the way to havoc and injury, and they have long made clear that they do not condone or support violence. To that end, engaging in reckless acts of arson shows a clear disregard for public safety, no matter how justified or unjustified the political demands may be.
Of course, earlier last month we also witnessed key members of the main political opposition party having their homes be tagetted by miscreants on motorcycles. It is incredibly unfortunate that politics in Bangladesh is so closely associated with violence and intimidation, but regardless of the amounts of buses being burned or crude bombs being set off, the public will never get behind such a destructive brand of politics.
We urge political parties across the nation to please be more civil in the way they get their points across. It is only through dialogue and respect that the nation can move forward.
