The fear of past arson attacks seems to have returned once again. In the last 9 days, miscreants have set fire to 28 buses, a common mode of transport for ordinary people. These successive acts of sabotage have increased public anxiety and anger, while also raising serious questions about the role of law enforcement agencies. Crime experts believe that if the masterminds are not identified and swiftly brought to justice, these acts of sabotage will escalate further.
Starting from November 2nd of this month, various incidents have occurred on different days, including buses being set ablaze while in motion, arson attacks on establishments, and cocktail explosions. Even police vehicles and stations have not been spared. Statistics show that 28 buses have been gutted by arson attacks from November 2nd until Tuesday afternoon. Among these, three buses were torched on November 8th, five on November 9th, and a maximum of twelve buses by noon on November 10th. Additionally, trucks, lorries, and various establishments have also been set on fire. In such circumstances, intense panic prevails among the general public, and they are concerned about their safety.
After the incidents of sabotage, the police are visiting the scenes, collecting evidence, filing cases, and continuing investigations. However, questions have been raised about proactive surveillance to prevent crime and a lack of coordination among law enforcement agencies. According to crime experts, intelligence agencies need to be more active, and it is crucial to ascertain whether those being arrested are the actual masterminds. In many cases, it appears that individuals associated with banned organizations or people hired for money are being used to carry out these acts of terror.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has informed that 33 individuals were arrested red-handed during cocktail explosions in various parts of the capital, and operations to prevent sabotage have been intensified. Experts have emphasized special surveillance in high-risk areas, increased intelligence activities, coordinated operations, and political unity. Ordinary citizens also wish that the administration and political parties, forgetting all political differences, take effective measures for the sake of public safety.
