We condemn the arson attacks on buses

In what feels like a blast from the past, nine buses were torched in the capital within a span of a few hours on November 13. According to news reports, the arson attacks took place between 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm outside polling centres in different locations of the capital, where by-elections for Dhaka-18 constituency were taking place. Law enforcers have thus far arrested a suspect with a crude bomb from Uttara, picked up nine more men from the Nayapaltan area and cordoned off the BNP central office following the arson incidents.

We are deeply concerned by these arson incidents and by the possibility of a resurgence of unwarranted violence against civilians in the name of politics. Although thankfully no casualty was reported this time, we are reminded of the horrific deaths of at least 95 people and injuries to 1,500 others as the transport sector came under attack from various types of crude bombs during the countrywide blockade called by the BNP-led 20-party alliance following the 2014 elections.

It is of utmost importance that a judicious, thorough and impartial investigation is conducted so that the real culprits can be identified and brought to book. Blame games and politically motivated investigations will not provide a constructive solution.

Voter turnout for the Dhaka-18 constituency was noticeably low, and there were reported instances of vote rigging in some polling centres. Although both local and national elections have been fraught with anomalies and undemocratic practices over the past years, we cannot in any way condone violence as a means to protest the irregularities in the electoral process. Citizens are disenfranchised and disillusioned enough with the status quo without our political parties falling back into old habits.