Deteriorating law and order situation ***

Violence is what this country does no longer like to see. There is already an over-supply of acts of violence in every aspect of our society in both cities and villages. We are experiencing a critical state of law and (dis) order Bangladesh. The authorities concerned do urgently need to pay proper attention to addressing the problem. The situation is so bad the dacoits are redundant. During day-time hours, many policemen don their uniforms and extort payment for everything and anything they can. At night under the cloak of darkness, they put off their uniforms and rob houses in villages, seemingly with impunity. And while the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition Leader enjoy or demand extra security to protect them and their extended families, little or no consideration is given to the rest of us who risk our lives and possessions daily. While this deplorable state of lawlessness continues, we would like to warn educators who engage in corporal punishment, to be particularly alert about the danger that awaits them. Those of us with children are especially, aware of the magnificent contribution that Sir Frank Peters has made to Bangladesh through his successful campaign to have corporal punishment banned. (May God always bless you, Sir Frank.) His success has succeed to unload the minds of millions of children of a great burden. Yet there are alleged 'educators'' teachers' in this society who continue to perpetrate torture upon those we love. And this has to stop, not just for the sake of the children, but also in the interest of all fair and decent educators teachers. We also do not want to see 'teachers' being badly beaten by an angry mob of parents (as is likely); there is already too much violence in society. If renegade 'teachers' continue their illegal torture, we will expect that there will no protection for them under the law and no sympathy from any circle. They should think seriously about this, before striking another child and be prepared to accept the consequences. Abdullah Barua Chittagong.