One of the fundamental characteristics of a democratic country is the rule of law. Without establishing the rule of law, no country can become orderly or civilized.
In developing countries, there is both a lack of rule of law and a shortage of sufficient laws relating to citizens’ rights and welfare. The influence of colonial laws still persists to a large extent in these countries. Even so, many good and positive laws do exist; but their implementation is almost nonexistent.
For example, in Bangladesh there is a well-formulated law called The Graffiti Writing and Poster Sticking (Control) Act, 2012. It is Act No. 1 of 2012. Unfortunately, public awareness of this law is extremely low. Due to its lack of enforcement, the beauty of Dhaka and other cities across the country is being ruined.
Posters are being plastered everywhere, and graffiti continues unabated. Even when private wall owners put up warning notices prohibiting such acts, they are disregarded.
Homeowners are facing various troubles as the beauty of their houses is destroyed. When political leaders’ posters fall to the ground during storms and rain, causing embarrassment to those leaders, no one seems to pay heed to that either.
Moreover, according to the law, authorized election posters must be removed within 15 days. Since the election season is about to begin, public awareness regarding this issue has become even more urgent.
Section 3 of the Act clearly states that wall writing or poster sticking is prohibited in places other than those specifically designated. Section 5 mentions that if such writings or posters are not removed within the stipulated time, the concerned authority may take the initiative to remove them at its own expense, and the full cost of removal will be recovered in cash from the individual or beneficiary.
Under Section 6, violation of the law carries a fine of not less than Tk. 5,000 and not more than Tk. 10,000, and in default of payment, imprisonment of up to 15 days without labor.
Yet recently, posters of films, businesses, and political campaigns have even been spotted on metro rail pillars. At the time of the law’s enactment, some had argued that the government-designated poster sites were practically nonexistent.
In response, the government allocated specific places across Dhaka for poster display. However, the tendency to violate the law has not stopped.
The latest development is that Dhaka City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has announced that posters, banners, and festoons put up outside the 25 designated free stands will be charged at commercial rates.
He made this announcement last Sunday at the inauguration of a free poster board program in Talatala, Mirpur. Already, 25 free poster stands have been installed in Dhaka North City Corporation areas.
Anyone putting up posters, banners, or festoons outside these designated spots will have to pay charges in accordance with the law. How far this system will be implemented properly and without corruption remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, to keep the city clean, there is no alternative to following rules and discipline. This jewel of a city, Dhaka, must not be turned into a dumping ground with indiscriminate banners and festoons. No conscientious or beauty-loving person could ever even think of such misdeeds.
Therefore, regardless of which government is in power, if the country and the nation are to progress, there can be no compromise in establishing order and discipline.