Eloquent Heroics

WHAT gives us a reason to be hopeful at a time when criminal activities are taking a toll on us, is the heroic act of a mother to overpower terrorists, in a bid to save her child.

The incident took place in Malibagh area when a young woman, Shirin, her brother and child were travelling in a rickshaw at noon. As snatchers tore off her gold chain and were about to make away with her purse containing Tk. 50,000, the brother jumped on one of the two men on a motorbike. The other 'snatcher' then caught hold of the one-year old child and threw her on to the ground and fired a few shots. Perhaps this was the last straw. The mother caught hold of the man and wouldn't let go.

Soon after, the mob joined in to beat the two muggers up and put their bike on fire. The police intervened to arrest the two.

We are proud of the young lady and her brother who risked their lives to teach the goons a lesson. At this point, we cannot help criticise the 'mob mentality'. Time and again have we observed that the only time people come forward to help is when everything is over. As an insult to injury, when everything is under control people show their temper taking law into their own hands. If people continue to cower before muggers' scowls then the last trace of civil courage will disappear.

The above incident speaks eloquently of what we can do for ourselves. It also underlines the extent to which people can take risks to save themselves when law enforcement is not available. It symbolises the basic instinct of self-preservation with an implication for the policemen to be visibly active.