No complacency in curbing militancy

Two bomb attacks on police in Gulistan and Malibagh have reminded us again of the dangers of terrorism and militancy. Both incidents revived the debate as to whether there is existence of Islamic State (IS) in the country or not.

According to a statement of the US-based SITE Intelligence, IS claimed the attacks. But it is frustrating that nothing came out from the investigations of the incidents. Police earlier assured Dhaka dwellers about bringing the capital under CCTV (closed circuit television camera) surveillance. But after the Gulistan and Malibagh incidents, it was evident that the cameras were not functional during the bomb attacks. It cannot be ruled out that the attackers, whoever they were, were aware of the weakness in the police’s security network. These incidents bring another question forward. Has the law enforcement become complacent?

From the recent terrorist attack in Sri Lanka, we have come to know that the Lankan government could not provide proper security measures despite having advance warnings from intelligence sources. Experts think Sri Lankan agencies were bit complacent as the country had not witnessed such attack for a long time. Our law enforcement agencies have played and an excellent role in ridding the country of militants and terrorists. But the question is whether complacence has set in since the country has been peaceful for a long time.

Fortunately, there were no deaths in the Gulistan and Malibagh incidents. However, six persons including cops were injured in the incidents and this cannot be taken lightly.

It is evident that the attackers could prove that they have the ability to stay and carry out attacks effortlessly in the capital. They could also show that there are still lapses in security provided by the law enforcement. Many will agree with Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia that the attack was conducted to break the morale of the police.

Police should acknowledge their failure that one of the attacks was held just 30 yards away from the Special Branch's Office in Malibagh, in a police van. The CCTV cameras were not active there and a tender was called for replacing the cameras. Such negligence is not expected in front of such an important office.

Officials said they will look into the national and international impact of both the bomb attacks. The law enforcement can only be successful if they can find the attackers as soon as possible. The attacks undoubtedly will make people feel insecure again.