The capital is dealing with an alarming surge in fierce demonstrations, hooliganism and vandalism, leaving its residents in fear and daily life in panic. Protests by students and other groups, coupled with clashes with law enforcement agencies, have turned the city into a fear ground. This worrying trend not only threatens public safety but also disrupts economic activity and undermines social stability. It is essential for authorities concerned to act swiftly and strategically to restore order, address protests and safeguard the capital’s peace.
Recent protests by students from different educational institutions, fueled by diverse demands, have intensified into road blockade, property damage and even looting. Simultaneously, battery-run rickshaw pullers protesting the High Court’s ban on their vehicles have escalated the chaos by blocking roads and railway tracks. Clashes with law enforcement agencies have become a daily affair, with police using tear gas, rubber bullets and sound grenades to control crowds. Some significant areas such as Shahbagh, Mohakhali and Agargaon have borne the brunt of this unrest, causing vast hardship to ordinary people.
These happenings point to a deeper disorder—a failure to address protests proactively and a lack of robust mechanism to avert fierce escalation. Although protesters’ concerns may be valid, violence and vandalism are not the path of solution. These doings deepen public suffering, disrupt businesses and erode trust in the city’s capability to function as a hub of control and economic activity.
It is high time for collaborative efforts by the management,
law enforcement agencies and civil
society to restore calm, uphold the rule of law and
address the root causes of unrest
The management must adopt a multi-pronged strategy to restore normalcy. Firstly, dialogue is critical. Authorities concerned must engage with student representatives and rickshaw drivers to understand their demands and work towards mutually acceptable solution. For students, platforms for constructive discussion should be established, while rickshaw pullers should be offered alternative livelihood options, like selected areas or encouragement for moving to permissible transport means.
Secondly, law enforcement agencies must shift from reactive to proactive measures. Intelligence agencies should closely monitor the situation and thwart attempts by vested interests to exploit the unrest for partisan or personal gain. Proper surveillance, increased forces presence and the swift neutralisation of trouble makers are necessary to restore peace.
Educational institutions also have a vital role to play. Administrators must foster a culture of peaceful advocacy, guiding students to channel their energy toward constructive actions rather than destructive protests.
Addressing the immediate crisis, however, is only part of the solution. The management must tackle the systemic issues underlying this unrest. Mounting unemployment, poor urban management among other factors are breeding dissatisfaction. A broad approach to generating employment opportunities, improving urban infrastructure and fostering dialogue with marginalised groups will help prevent future conflicts.
The chaos in the capital is a glaring warning of the consequences of inaction. Public safety, economic stability and civic trust are at stake. It is high time for collaborative efforts by the management, law enforcement agencies and civil society to restore calm, uphold the rule of law and address the root causes of unrest. The capital may reclaim its role as a safe and thriving focus of national life through dialogue, vigilance and long-term planning.
