Khaleda seeks help in fight against crime

Bangladesh's deteriorating law and order situation dominated the speeches of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the leader of the opposition, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, delivered yesterday to mark the first anniversary of the coalition government.

In her speech aired by state-run media, Khaleda admitted that the law and order situation had not improved as fast as people expected, and appealed for help in continuing the fight against violence.

She called for activating "anti-terrorism citizens' committees" in all parts of the country to intensify the fight against terrorism.

She noted that premeditated violence stood in the way of improving law and order. "Take individual initiative in curbing terrorism and cooperate with police," she urged people from all walks of life.

Citing instances of such anti-terrorism committees, Khaleda mentioned that "neighbourhood watch" bodies have long operated in Britain. Such committees have also been providing important information to security forces ever since the September 11 attacks in the U.S.

"Identify the terrorists, their dens and patrons, and inform the law-enforcing agencies," the Prime Minister advised the anti-terrorism committees.

Taking stock of the performance of her one-year-old government, she claimed: "Now there is no more misrule in any town, district, or region of the country due to state-sponsored terrorism unlea-shed by any terrorist forces."

Meanwhile, opposition leader Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the government had completely surrendered to "terrorism, corruption and politicisation" and urged the people to face the situation with patience.

"The BNP-led coalition government has become the enemy of the people. People want to get rid of it. Be patient and face the current situation. This horrible period will soon come to an end," she said.

Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka to mark one year of the coalition, Hasina described the period as one of "nothing but frustration and confusion".

She asked those who voted the alliance to power to see for themselves if the BNP-led government is better than the previous Awami League government.

"Today it is time for self-realisation. How are you living amidst the intolerable price hike of essentials and unbridled terrorism? Where is the commitment to curb terrorism and corruption? Has the government been able to deliver good governance? she asked."