A LARGE fire that burnt Gazi Auto Tyres Factory at Rupganj in Naraynaganj appears to be yet another case of vandalism. Hundreds of people reportedly broke into the factory on August 25, hours after the Gazi Group chair, a former Awami League lawmaker, had been arrested. Fire fighters, who could bring the fire under control in 21 hours, could not immediately establish the cause of the fire. Witnesses allege that miscreants started fire on the ground floor after looting. At least 174 people who were at the factory on August 25 night have, meanwhile, gone missing. Firefighters saved 14 people on August 25 and did not find anyone else inside. Such a factory fire in an industrial area is unacceptable. After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 amidst a student-mass uprising, many cases of vandalism made the headlines. As the police left their posts and stations, there had been a chaotic situation for about two days and mobs vandalised houses and property of Awami League leaders.
People from all walks of life and students made a concerted effort to stop vandalism and robbery and could bring the situation under control within a short time. What, however, is concerning is that attempts at vandalism have been reported here and there while extortion have also been reported. Such incidents are unacceptable and the law enforcement agencies need to be proactive in averting them. It is understandable that there is pent-up anger among people against the Awami League misrule and the people directly involved in what the Awami League did in 15 years, but it is the responsibility of the authorities to bring the people involved in the July massacre and myriad other irregularities to justice. The authorities have already detained a number of Awami League leaders, activists and apologists. In such a situation, further vandalism is untoward and will only undermine the integrity of the interim government, which announced the restoration of law and order as a priority. The factory fire also brings forth concern about the safety of industrial and business establishments. The business and industrial sector has already suffered a blow since July 15 and it is high time that they resumed their full operation, which is essential for the economy.
The government and the law enforcement agencies must, therefore, take adequate measures to keep law and order and bring the people responsible for the fire to justice. They must also put a special focus on industrial areas so that businesses and industries do not suffer and become fully operational. People must also honour the spirit of the student-mass uprising that seeks to bring a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future.
