Are all people in Bangladesh mentally sound? Will they understand if explained? Will they listen if forbidden? Will they follow laws and regulations? If your answer is ‘yes,’ then stop here. But if it’s ‘no,’ then let’s talk! How can this country be made livable? How can we stop talented individuals from permanently leaving the country? Is there a way to eliminate corruption, money laundering, and inequality?
For some people, the army, police, and force are necessary. If preaching alone could turn everyone into ideal citizens, then people would have become virtuous just by listening to sermons in mosques, schools, and society. No one would ever hold distorted thoughts, commit wrongdoings, or engage in crimes. But is our surroundings crime-free or crime-ridden?
Some people think they are superior, while others are simply stubborn! That’s why prisons are needed, executions are needed. Sometimes, harsh measures are necessary. There must be something to awaken people’s conscience! Otherwise, society will not remain healthy. If a few mentally unstable people stay at home, it doesn’t harm anyone. But when these distorted minds start harming society, they must be stopped by any means necessary. When someone’s actions harm others, their power must be curtailed. People with perverse mentalities must be restrained. A society where women and children are not safe cannot be called a civilized society. Can a society where robbery occurs in broad daylight, thefts happen every night, extortion is rampant, and rape is frequent be called a habitable society? In a system of unhealthy competition, even good people struggle to survive.
What is the solution? Only explaining? Just telling the difference between right and wrong? Continuously giving chances for correction even after repeated mistakes? Preaching must be done, but punishments must also be applied. The greater the scale of crime, the harsher the response must be. Solely relying on sermons won’t work. Millions of religious sermons are held across the country, yet the brutality of the criminals hasn’t ceased. The call to prayer resonates in mosques, temple bells ring, but the descendants of Abu Jahl still roam freely. Words alone cannot change everyone. Those prone to crime, those who find pleasure in breaking the law, must be disciplined with force.
There will always be a group of impulsive people and another group of opportunists. If a so-called civilized government gets swayed by them, it won’t be able to take necessary actions. Sometimes, forceful action is the only effective remedy for societal pain!
However, not just punishment—before that, people must be given a chance to reform. The first mistake should be forgiven. Preaching and enforcement must go hand in hand. Those who act recklessly and show no hope of improvement must be invited to the red-walled confines of prison. They must be made to understand certain messages on a deeper level. Society as a whole must stand against terrorism. If this world is not made livable, then it is the good people who will suffer the most. Therefore, no leniency—rather, a coordinated and brave stand must be taken against injustice and dishonesty. Everyone must unite to block the spread of evil. Society must not be allowed to become a safe haven for criminals. Vigilance is necessary because our fathers and children live here. Thus, we must fight against wrongdoing and corruption to provide them with a safe living environment where not even the smallest debris of crime is tolerated. Everyone must take on the role of poet Sukanta Bhattacharya.
If the authorities expect the people of this country to be as disciplined as European citizens, they are making a grave mistake. The police cannot be turned into mere puppets. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) cannot be kept idle. If the army stops its watchful eyes, the criminals will start staring down the state itself. Therefore, respect must be given to the civilized, while punishment must be imposed on the uncivilized. In a land where a segment of the population is irrational and easily misled, giving them absolute freedom is equivalent to inviting chaos. The state should not respond to savages with civilized behavior. The security and comfort of the citizens must take precedence. The state should show no sympathy towards those with a wicked mindset but should be more considerate towards the innocent masses. Only then will the greater good be achieved. May Bangladesh become as safe as a sacred pilgrimage site, and may no shortcomings hinder the fulfillment of this goal—such is the hope of an ordinary citizen!
