We’re doubtful whether the government machinery has been functioning properly. The suspicion has arisen following arson attacks on Hindu localities at Peerganj in the northern district of Rangpur on Sunday night burning down several homes and other structures in two villages. Police and BGB have cordoned off the area and law enforcers have detained 42 people in this connection but this will not return the fishermen of the villages their houses, cash and other valuables that were looted. The victims are now passing their days under open sky and struggling to absorb the shock. It was reported that the attack was carried out by an angry mob following an alleged blasphemous Facebook post. Whatever the reason for the attack, we’re astounded how could this happen at the dead of night when the government claims it has kept the law enforcement agencies on high alert after the Cumilla incident?
According to police, the attacks were perpetrated at a place about half a kilometre from an accused Hindu youth’s house who allegedly uploaded a blasphemous post on Facebook. That means the attackers were somehow motivated by vested quarters to create anarchy. Religion was not the main issue.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Monday told the media that all wings of law enforcement agencies are active to hunt down the culprits involved in the attacks. Terming it a sudden attack, he said more than 90 houses were vandalised before the police reached the spot. The statement of Home Minister gives us a chilling message, because the government machinery especially the local administration and intelligence agencies were unprepared to tackle any planned “sudden danger”. They are anxious to follow the political opponents of the government for protection of the establishment.
The government detached from the people bring their own downfall for their incompetence. The government has to come closer to the people to bring closeness among the people.
