Give the democratic process a chance
The ongoing trend of political violence in the country is really disturbing. In the first two days of this week alone, some 400 individuals have been reportedly injured in clashes between BNP activists and members of the AL and police combined. We express our concern over the never-ending nature of confrontational politics where the nation's streets are turning into battlefields, leaving citizens in a constant state of fear and uncertainty.
The first of the latest series of clashes took place when BNP activists held road marches in Habiganj, Barguna and Narayanganj, demanding the release of party chairperson Khaleda Zia, and law enforcers baton-charged them, resulting in a chase and counter-chase situation. The day after, the district AL unit in Habiganj organised a march, protesting the "terror and anarchy" of the BNP. AL activists reportedly attempted to attack the home of a local BNP leader, which resulted in another showdown. In typical fashion, the former claimed it was BNP that had first attacked their march. Each time an incident like this breaks out, the same blame game plays out, thereby perpetuating a vicious cycle.
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We have previously criticised the ruling party's attempts to disrupt BNP's street programmes as a violation of its constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Such attempts have been particularly evident after the BNP launched its one-point movement for holding the next parliamentary election under a non-party interim administration. Police's role in resulting clashes has been equally troubling. Just last month, a BNP activist was killed in Lakshmipur during a clash that ensued after police and AL activists reportedly obstructed a BNP procession. It goes without saying that, until the ruling party changes its current approach and exercises restraint, the prospect of a fair and participatory election will remain distant.
Ultimately, if the AL and BNP truly care about the public, they will have to find a way to compromise, and engage in dialogue rather than violence. As the party in power, the AL must lead the way to prevent the history of violent confrontation from repeating itself.
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