It is extremely concerning to see multiple incidents involving vandalism, looting, and unlawful gatherings in recent days across the city, once again raising serious questions about public safety and the ability of institutions to protect property, businesses, and essential services.
The concern is not confined to any single incident or location: From attacks on private establishments to the destruction of a healthcare facility and other acts of violence and looting, the recurrence itself is what is deeply troubling.
It goes without saying: Dhaka cannot afford to normalize the kind of lawlessness that has become increasingly visible across the city.
What makes such incidents particularly alarming is the apparent ease with which groups can gather, enter premises, damage property, and remove belongings.
When vandalism becomes a repeated occurrence, it creates an environment in which ordinary citizens and businesses can no longer feel confident that their property will be protected. That is unacceptable in any functioning city.
Law enforcement agencies must therefore move beyond arresting some suspects after the damage has already been done. Investigations must identify the organizers, participants, enablers, as well as systemic failures that allowed the attacks to happen. The investigation into possible police negligence surrounding the Mirpur incident is particularly important in this regard.
At the same time, accountability cannot be selective. Political affiliation, social standing, or the nature of a dispute must not determine whether the law is enforced.
Disagreements over property, business, or other matters must be resolved through lawful institutions -- not intimidation, destruction, or force.
Dhaka already faces enormous challenges in maintaining public order and protecting its residents. Allowing vandalism and looting to recur will only deepen insecurity and erode public confidence.
The message should be clear: Disputes can be contested, grievances can be addressed, and allegations can be investigated, but no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. A safe city depends on that principle being enforced consistently.
