The New Nation - Internet Edition

TO guard against likely violent activities around the general election due on 29 December, the Chief Adviser of the Caretaker Government instructed field level government officials to take highest cautionary measures. He asked them to remain alert round the clock to resist evil forces. The home secretary informed that preventive measures were being taken following reports of plots to assassinate a top-ranking politician of the country. On the other hand, the Election Commission sees the probable post-election violence as a challenge. Such a tense atmosphere is likely to prevail till the forthcoming Upazila elections.

For more than a decade, the country has witnessed a number of terrorist activities including serial bomb blasts and use of lethal weapons that led to many casualties. In the recent past, both India and Pakistan have experienced terrorist attacks. Against this backdrop, the possibility of violent activities during the elections cannot be ruled out. A section of the media has already reported involvement of terrorists in election campaigns in the city. Considering the recovery of huge arms and ammunition recently, it is probable that a large number of weapons still remains traceless.

The law enforcing agencies should, therefore, tighten vigilance. They should always keep watchful eyes on terrorist groups. In their surveillance, the agencies, however, should rely on their sources of information and take care that false allegations by the rival groups do not mislead them. Special care should be taken to avoid harassment of innocent people. What is expected of the security forces at this hour is the highest degree of professionalism to nip violence in the bud for the success of the election and sustenance of the democratic process.