We note with trepidation, that the spate of killings of individuals that fit a certain profile has not seen its end – this time a Hindu tailor has been hacked to death. Nikhil Joardar was murdered in broad daylight at his tailoring shop in Tangail on April 30. The term 'unidentified assailants' is jarring to us, the ordinary citizens, who must helplessly watch as our fellow citizens are being slain one by one. What is worse is that even though a significant number of arrests have been made related to these killings, there has been little sign of progress in terms of putting the suspects on trial, let alone any convictions that would warrant exemplary punishment.

It is a useless exercise to ruminate over whether these heinous acts have been carried out by IS or home-grown terrorists. The reality is that no one really knows who are behind these murders. Only a rigorous investigation with the help of our intelligence agencies and a robust and quick trial process can unravel the masterminds of these targeted killings. The government can no longer look at these murders as a law and order situation but as a socio religious phenomenon sprung from radicalisation. 

The profiles of the victims are a clear indication that they have been targeted for what the assailants perceive as their anti-Islamic view points. Which makes it all the more immediate for all security agencies to work together to bring these terrorists to justice.

It is also crucial for the government and the public to join hands to combat the curse of religious extremism by promoting tolerance of differences in faith, ideologies and opinions. Without tolerance there is only hate and hate can only bring destruction to our nation.