The recurring incidents of arson, particularly on trains, demand a comprehensive strategy to address the escalating violence and ensure a secure environment for the upcoming parliamentary elections on January 7
On 19th December 2023, eight additional individuals, including leaders and activists associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), were apprehended by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) across various regions of the country. The arrests were made in connection with their purported engagement in acts of vandalism, setting fire to a Dhaka-bound train Mohanganj Express from Netrakana, and arson on the bus in different parts of the country during the latest nationwide blockades and hartals.
You can also read: BNP’s Arson Rampage: A Trail of Destruction
Once again, the BNP has pursued a ruthless political strategy, setting buses on fire in various regions of the country. The persistent occurrence of bus arson undeniably signals the BNP’s widespread intimidation, reminiscent of human rights violations. This recurring pattern raises significant concerns about potential human rights and safety threats.
The total number of people detained by RAB in connection with violence and sabotage, including the October 28 attack and sabotage, has now reached 890.
To curb vandalism and violence, RAB has intensified intelligence surveillance at crucial locations such as bus stands and railway stations, as highlighted in the press release on 19th December 2023.
Additionally, 422 patrol teams of the elite force have been strategically deployed across the country to uphold law and order.
BNP’s Disruptive Tactics After 28th October
The various reports surfacing from October 29 indicate 12 fatalities and the burning of at least 580 vehicles amid the hartal-blockade movement. A particularly alarming incident occurred on December 6 when no fewer than 11 vehicles were set on fire in coordinated arson attacks across the nation. Another big series of incidents is arson on trains.
The disruptive tactics employed by the BNP overshadowed the lingering impact of the Gazipur incident, casting a shadow over public life. Resorting to darker strategies due to dwindling public support, they caused harm and tragically claimed lives.
On November 16, an arson attack targeted the Panchagarh Express, a commuter train stationed at Gharinda railway station in Tangail, resulting in the destructive fire engulfing three of its compartments.
Similarly, on November 19, around 1:15 am, flames engulfed two compartments of the Jamuna Express train at Jamalpur’s Sarishabari railway station. This marked the second occurrence of a train being set ablaze during the BNP’s blockade and hartal program.
On November 23, unidentified individuals ignited a fire aboard the Upaban Express, an intercity train at Sylhet Railway Station. The blaze started in the AC chair compartment around 9:30 pm, as confirmed by Sylhet railway station manager, Md Nurul Islam.
Another distressing event occurred on November 27 at Ishwardi Junction in Pabna, where an unidentified group set a train on fire while it was stationed at Ishwardi Railway Junction around 8:30 pm. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, and two fire service units managed to extinguish the flames within half an hour.
EC’s Role in Maintaining Law and Order During Election Time
EC takes various steps to maintain law and order during election time. In this context, recently a total of 422 patrol teams of the elite force have been deployed across the country to maintain law and order during election time.
This proactive measure aims to prevent potential incidents during the blockade before the election, ensuring peace and order.
What sets this operation apart is the meticulous focus on securing public transportation. The specialized RAB force is diligently safeguarding buses and cargo-carrying vehicles along extensive routes affected by the blockade. This not only ensures the smooth functioning of essential services but also emphasizes the steadfast commitment to facilitating the daily lives of citizens before the election.
A recent statement from the BGB headquarters highlighted the comprehensive steps taken, revealing that a substantial total of 232 BGB platoons have been strategically deployed across the entire country. Concurrently, the police have launched an extensive three-week-long special drive nationwide amid prevailing political violence. This initiative, as stated by police authorities, aims to maintain law and order, retrieve illegal drugs and firearms, and apprehend drug traffickers and wanted individuals.
A directive issued from the police headquarters on December 5 mandated all metropolitan commissioners and district superintendents to conduct similar special drives from December 9 to 31 across the country. The police have cited information indicating potential subversive activities aiming to disrupt the electoral process, thus prompting these intensified security measures.
In this context, the Bangladesh Army is likely to be deployed across the country on December 29 to tighten security before, during, and after the 12th parliamentary elections.
“It has been discussed that the army will be deployed for 13 days from December 29 to January 10, centering the election. The Election Commission will request that the president permit this. The president will then make the final decision,”
-Waker-Uz-Zaman, Lieutenant General, The Armed Forces Division
Reflecting on past electoral events, the 11th National Assembly elections in 2018 witnessed the deployment of 414 army platoons across 389 upazilas, along with 48 navy platoons in 18 upazilas.
Similarly, during the January 5 election in 2014, approximately 50,000 armed forces personnel were deployed nationwide from December 26 to January 9 to safeguard the security of parliamentary elections.
Conclusion
The recent surge in violent tactics by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) poses a serious threat to public safety and the electoral process. The arrests made by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the proactive measures taken by security forces, including the Bangladesh Army’s potential deployment, underscore the urgent need to maintain law and order. The recurring incidents of arson, particularly on trains, demand a comprehensive strategy to address the escalating violence and ensure a secure environment for the upcoming parliamentary elections on January 7.
