EIGHT people were burned, two of them badly, in Comilla on Wednesday in a mindless petrol bomb attack on a running bus, reminding the people the disturbing images of such attacks during the BNP-led countrywide blockade early this year. The attack near Bangladesh Jute Research Centre on Dhaka-Chittagong highway at Chandina happened around midnight, when most of the people were offering Shab-e-Barat prayers.
There was no political programme on Wednesday and it remains unclear who carried out the attack and why. What led many to ponder whether some political groups or gang of criminals are trying to create a sense of insecurity in the country to provoke law enforcers to go into action on perceived attackers. Police detained two local persons, claimed to be Jamaat leaders for questioning. Some other reports said the attackers belong to extremist Islamist groups. Comilla Police Super has been quoted in a report as saying joint forces comprising Police, RAB and BGB have already launched a manhunt for criminals. Meanwhile, two critically burned persons have been admitted to Burn Unit of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital while four others are receiving treatment at the hospital.
As it happened, the bus was carrying around 40 people on board and heading towards Rangamati in Chittagong Hill Tracts. Two firebombs were hurled inside the bus causing fire and instant burn injuries to the passengers. Reports said the attack resembled those occurred during the 20-party alliance’s blockade in the first three months of the current year. It is unacceptable that petrol bombs should be hurled with impunity when the country is enjoying relative political calm. There is no indication that the situation is going to be worse soon; least to think about unleashing petrol bombs attacks on a running bus. Speculations run high involving certain quarters who may be out to destroy the peace and invite the chaos to achieve their objectives -most likely political objectives by engaging the parties to fight again. There are contesting political quarters and anyone can use it to put blame on the other in the process.
We always get people easily arrested saying that Jamaat activists have done it. Jamaat persons are so much under watch, their top leaders are facing trials for their crimes against humanity. Why something cannot be done to arrest them before such heinous crimes are committed? After crimes committed we are given assurances of punishing the culprits. That does not stop crime. Only helps the police.
The people are frustrated for the helplessness of the government to ensure protection of life.
