Deteriorating Law and Order Signals a Grave Threat to the State: Nezame Islam Party

Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party has expressed deep concern over the worsening law and order situation in the country. The party has urged the government to take effective steps at once to ensure public safety.

Acting Amir Mr. Maulana Abdul Qayyum Subhani and Secretary General Mr. Maulana Musa Bin Izhar made the call in a joint statement.

In the statement, they said insecurity and worry are growing among ordinary people as crimes spread. These crimes include murder, snatching, robbery, extortion, drugs and terrorist acts. They said ensuring the lives, property and safety of the people is one of the main duties of the government.

The two leaders said it is a serious warning sign if people cannot leave home and reach work safely. They said the same if people fear running their businesses or feel afraid to move on the roads after dusk. They said this is not only a law and order problem but also a sign that people are losing trust in the state.

They said scattered and short term drives are not enough to stop crime. They said the government must find the sources of crime and take a long term and joined up approach. They said it must take strict and fair steps against illegal arms, the drug trade, extortion, land grabbing and terrorism.

They said the law must reach every criminal, whatever the party, belief or identity. They said no one should get the chance to use political or administrative influence to escape.

The statement asked law enforcement agencies to do their duty with professionalism, fairness and accountability. The leaders also stressed that no innocent citizen should face harassment in the name of fighting crime. They said political identity or influence of a criminal must not block the use of law.

The acting Amir and the secretary general said a culture of no justice encourages criminals and weakens people’s trust in the law. So they said authorities must investigate crimes quickly and fairly, try the criminals and ensure the safety of victims.

They also said society needs effective social steps to stop drugs, juvenile crime and moral decline. These steps should involve families, schools and colleges, alems and ulama, and social leaders.

They said the safety of the lives and property of the people is not a favour from any government. They said it is a basic duty of the state. They said the government must rise above party and administrative concerns and give public safety the highest priority. They said the state can win back public trust only by ensuring the rule of law, justice and public safety.

The statement also asked peace loving people of the country not to take the law into their own hands. It asked them to help law enforcement agencies prevent crime and to report crimes to the right authorities.