Urban conundrum of disappearance and death

Narayanganj, once a leading business centre, has already earned the notoriety of an urban conundrum of disappearance and death. The recovery of bodies from the river Sitalakhya  following abduction of Narayanganj city corporation  councilor Nazrul Islam, four of his aides, a lawyer and his driver in broad daylight have sent a shiver down the spine of most people. Lawlessness at this level is only comparable with the infamous death valleys and some other areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Vendetta of different forms and intensity ranging from establishing criminal holds on businesses and illegal toll collection to lording over the underworld or local politics has set the tone of leadership.

In Narayanganj, here is a real-life Bangla edition of the struggle for supremacy by the underworld Mafia dons in New York as depicted in Mario Puzo's celebrated book "The Godfather". The abduction and killing of a brilliant school student Tawki gave an insight into the deep, dark and hellish world of Narayanganj. More boys like Tawki disappeared and not all of their bodies were even found. The abduction of a high profile person like Abu Bakar Siddique, also from an area under that urban business hub only weeks ago highlighted the danger people are exposed to in that mafia-dominated town. Even at a time when people were mourning the death of the seven men abducted and apparently murdered before throwing them into the river, yet another businessman was abducted.

Luckily like Abu Bakr Siddique, this businessman was released unharmed. Now, the majority are not lucky enough to survive abduction and return home. The truth is there are gangs -no matter in whatever forms -which can pick up people anytime and from anywhere and if their whims so please, they sometimes allow someone or other to return alive. In most cases, though, the abducted either remain traceless or their bodies are found decomposed or mutilated a long time after kidnap for ransom or abduction for settling scores.

Now it is unbelievable that the law enforcement agencies are totally in the dark about the gang/gangs operating. Accusing fingers have often been pointed at men in uniform and the government has vehemently been denying that Argentine-style disappearance of civilians at the hands of security forces has ever happened. Narayanganj is a theatre of such a conflict where a clear answer to this contentious issue can be had. If overlords of the underworld are tussling for supremacy, their areas of operation cannot be immune from exercise of law at its most ruthless. No private force is stronger than the ones at the disposal of the state. It is the most opportune moment to unleash a deadly attack on the underworld of Narayanganj and eliminate the threat once and for all. It is the time when people are enraged and ready to take risks. They will help with information leading to the busting of the mafia dens. The question is, is the administration ready to take a serious and determined stand against the monsters making a mockery of both people's lives and the country's laws?