The shocking surge in violent incidents, such as gender-based violence, gang violence, and mob lynching in our society in recent times, prompts a profound reflection on whether we are regressing to medieval barbarism. A particularly egregious recent case that sparked widespread public outrage is the reported rape of a 19-year-old woman, allegedly by two individuals, including a leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League, on the Jahangirnagar University campus, while confining her husband in a residential hall of the university. We demand a thorough investigation into the reprehensible incident that occurred in a bush near the Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall around 9:30pm on Saturday and ask for the imposition of stringent punitive measures against the perpetrators.
Undoubtedly, criminality has been a persistent aspect of civilisation since its inception. However, the situation becomes dire and social harmony is jeopardised when incivility prevails over civility, and abnormality outweighs normalcy. It is deeply concerning that a significant segment of society, particularly those entrusted with upholding social order, is engaged in wrongdoing, leading to a distressing state of affairs.
Many vital social institutions are teetering on the brink of collapse. Today, children are not even safe within their own families, as they are frequently subjected to abuse by those closest to them, and horrifying allegations of parents killing their children abound. Students fall victim to molestation and mistreatment by educators, while patients suffer, and sometimes perish, due to medical negligence. Our society is failing to provide girls with the assurance they need to move freely and safely at any time and to any place of their choosing. People, including many members of law enforcement agencies, brazenly take the law into their own hands, showing scant regard for legal norms. It appears that an atmosphere of indiscipline and disregard for the law has pervaded every aspect of our national life. Opinions may differ regarding the root causes of these egregious societal transgressions. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that a disturbingly self-centred mindset, a decline in morals and values, and a surge in misconduct have become glaringly evident.
We have long prided ourselves on being a law-abiding and peace-loving society, where people of diverse backgrounds coexist harmoniously. Thus, the transformation of our once tranquil society into one fraught with turmoil cannot be taken lightly. We must engage in introspection and spare no effort in restoring our age-old socio-religious values and strengthening social and familial bonds. The obstacles hindering the full democratisation of the country's political culture must be eradicated by firmly establishing the rule of law in society.