If people cannot even be assured that they will leave home and return safely, the achievements of development begin to lose their significance.
Fear is growing in public life as a result of murder, rape, mugging, and various other crimes. Even children are not safe. When people become fearful for their own lives, their children, and their property, such realities cannot be concealed behind statistics on development.
Ensuring the safety and security of citizens is one of the fundamental responsibilities of the state. When the state falls short of fulfilling this responsibility, questions inevitably arise about the progress of society as a whole.
Recently, a German tourist in Natore lost his laptop and mobile phone. In the hope of recovering his belongings, he had to visit the police station repeatedly. Such an experience for a foreign tourist is embarrassing for us.
Beyond the personal loss he suffered, the incident may raise questions about public safety in the country and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
There is also a risk that the country's image abroad could be tarnished. Meanwhile, in Cumilla, the body of a seventh-grade student was found in a paddy field after she went missing while on her way to a female friend's house.
This tragic incident raises an even more troubling question: will our children be unable to move around safely? Reports of an attack on a police officer in Khulna, as well as attacks on law enforcement personnel in various places, are adding to public concern.
The effects of global conflicts, economic pressures, political instability, and social inequality cannot be denied. However, none of these factors can be used as an excuse to evade the responsibility of ensuring public safety.
The World Bank and various other international organizations regard an effective judicial system, the rule of law, and accountability as essential foundations for economic development and investor confidence.
A lack of security also weakens the economy. When people feel threatened in relation to their property, businesses, or personal safety, investment risks increase and employment opportunities are hindered.
Economic potential also begins to shrink. Therefore, ensuring people's security is essential if the benefits of development are to reach them. We have much to learn in this regard from the experiences of developed countries.
In many countries, citizens can report crimes directly to the police. Some also provide online facilities for filing complaints about theft, fraud, or property damage.
Once a complaint is received, an investigation is conducted, and the matter is referred to the prosecution authorities when necessary. In other words, effective institutional links have been established between the complaint, investigation, and judicial processes.
Of course, no country in the world is entirely free of crime. The real question, however, is how quickly and effectively the state responds when a crime occurs and how firmly it ensures accountability for its actions.
Surveillance must also be strengthened in our country. Regardless of a perpetrator's political or social connections, the law must be applied without discrimination. Ensuring that criminals are brought to justice will create the conditions necessary to restore public confidence in state institutions.
Security is a fundamental expectation of every citizen. When people must constantly fear for their safety while walking on the streets, sending their children to school, or protecting the property they have earned, normal life is disrupted. It is the state's responsibility to eliminate this uncertainty.
To restore a sense of security and peace of mind among the people, effective measures must be taken to combat crime, the police must respond promptly, and access to justice must be guaranteed.
How far can a society progress when its people live in fear and insecurity? We can no longer afford to delay seeking an answer to this question. Therefore, building a society free from fear and intimidation must be the state's foremost priority.
