BCL attempt to foil BNP rally
PRIME Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday directed district officials to take stern action against criminals irrespective of their political affiliations. We welcome the premier's directive, particularly in light of the mayhem generated by ruling party members in different districts in recent times, and hope that her command will be realised with due urgency.
We have noted with distress that similar remarks from the Prime Minister in the past about unsparing action against offenders of law have fallen on deaf years of officials and party members. If the PM is sincere, then why have her words not been translated to action? Are we to assume that the PM is not being taken seriously by her own people and officials or that she has no choice but to be a silent spectator as they deliberately defy her command?
In Gazipur, BCL members have vowed to resist a public rally of the BNP-led 20-party alliance unless Tarique Zia apologises for his reckless comment on Bangabandhu. While BCL can certainly protest the offensive remark of Tarique in due democratic fashion, to threaten to foil rallies with violence signals shrinking spaces for democratic participation. The right to assemble is guaranteed in our constitution, and it is the government's duty to ensure that this right is upheld, not obstructed, least so by members of the ruling party. Instead of allowing BCL men to call the shots and hold a counter-rally at the same place, the authorities should ensure that the BNP rally, for which permission was granted long ago, is conducted peacefully.
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