The recent attack on former MP Sarwar Jamal Nizam during a funeral procession in Karnaphuli is another troubling sign of how far political rivalry in Bangladesh has spiraled out of control. What should have been a respectful gathering to mourn the dead turned into a violent clash that left six people injured, including a journalist.
This cannot become the norm.
Political differences are inevitable, but street battles are not the answer. When leaders and activists resolve disputes with fists, bricks, and mobs, they are not serving the people—they are endangering them. These are not political protests; they are acts of intimidation and aggression. And they place innocent bystanders, including journalists, in harm’s way.
Power struggles should be settled through peaceful, lawful means—not through roadside ambushes or funeral ground confrontations. Leadership should be earned through public support, not demonstrated by how many people one can bring into the street. When violence replaces dialogue, all that’s left is chaos.
The police must act swiftly and decisively. Those responsible for this attack—regardless of political affiliation—must be arrested and prosecuted. A strong message must be sent: violence will not be tolerated, and there will be consequences. Delayed or selective enforcement only emboldens those who believe they can act with impunity.
This is not just about one fight in Karnaphuli. It reflects a broader decay in the way political disputes are handled across the country. Bangladesh cannot afford to slip further into a culture where intimidation replaces ideas, and where leadership is measured by physical force instead of public trust.
The people of Bangladesh deserve order, safety, and accountability. That begins by rejecting violence and holding those responsible to account—quickly and without compromise.