Unwarranted clash

The sudden clash between BNP activists and the police on Wednesday in front of the BNP office was both surprising and distressing. The violence was a rude interruption to the otherwise peaceful atmosphere prevalent since the election schedule was announced.

One can question the heavy-handedness of the police as well as the unwarranted aggressiveness of the BNP cadres, which led to the unwarranted events. At least two police vehicles were torched and many people including opposition activists and policemen wounded. Such incidents harm the prospect of a peaceful election that the nation wishes to see.

However, it could have been avoided had the Election Commission been proactive about enforcing the electoral rules and regulations from the beginning. After the election schedule was announced, the way potential candidates of major political parties collected nomination papers clearly violated the Electoral Code of Conduct set by the EC. But it took no action at that time. Such an approach would create an impression that the commission is selectively enforcing rules.

The police, too, could have shown more restraint in dealing with such a large crowd of people. Nonetheless, the aggressive attitude shown by some BNP activists is inexcusable. BNP high-ups must remember that such a posture will damage its own public standing and, what's more, will hurt the atmosphere needed to ensure a peaceful election.

Political parties, in general, should discourage their grassroots activists from resorting to violence and urge them to divert their energy towards peaceful electioneering. All parties need to make efforts to ensure that such violent incidents aren't repeated.