The incidence of abductions

Now-a-days, incidents of forced disappearance, extortion and abduction are on the rise across the country. Recently, seven persons including Narayanganj City Corporation panel mayor Nazrul Islam disappeared, along with his aides and a senior lawyer, from Narayanganj area on being abducted in broad daylight. They were later found dead in the Sitalakkya river. This was not the first traumatic experience in our country. Prior to this, BNP leader Ilias Ali too disappeared but it still could not be known whether he is alive or dead.
Bangladesh is an now over-populated country. So the nature and the number of crimes have increased. It is feared that extortions, killings, abductions etc, will increase day by day. Some terrorist groups are involved in these heinous activities. After abduction, the kidnappers demand ransom from the victims' families. These groups target some people like wealthy persons and political leaders. Most of the crimes take place in broad day light and some of these are clandestine. If anyone fails to pay ransom, death for the victims is inevitable. But a month ago, captors freed Abu Bakar Siddique, a victim of forced disappearance from Narayanganj area, without any ransom and without physical injury. At that time, the administration also put in all-out efforts to rescue him. His freedom is indeed a piece of good news for us.
Now the question arises, who are the culprits and who are instigators?  We came to know from print media, a section of law-enforcing personnel also keep secret links with terrorist groups as an instigator of abductions. If this is true, it is really ominous for the nation.
Extortion has emerged as a common phenomenon in our locality. If any one sets up an industry or builds a home or purchase one land, s/he must pay extortion. Otherwise s/he will face threats over phone from some local terrorist groups. Extent of such a menace varies from area to area.
It is not possible for the government alone to stop disappearances. All political parties, law-enforcement agencies, human rights groups and common people must also assist the government in containing these heinous crimes. We must work together irrespective of political affiliations against crimes.  Finally, the government should act strongly against all kinds of crimes and control it an iron hand so that the rule of law could be established in our country. Let general people of our county lead their lives peacefully without any fear and panic.
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