Their concern is based on some harsh truths. The businessmen of Chittagong feel insecure as abduction has become a regular affair. Police have not succeeded in resolving the cases. And it is not clear how the kidnappers could escape arrest when the law enforcing machinery has apparently been activated with a sense of purpose.

So the citizens rightly felt that they had to do something to protest the slide in law and order, which also means a slide in trade and commerce and disruption of normal life. However, instead of going for a total shutdown, they preferred a 10-minute token strike which, we believe, was a forceful way of getting their message across to the right people. They avoided a day-long strike and it was a welcome departure.

The token strike called by Chhatgram Nagarik Forum, a citizens' platform, drew spontaneous support from Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and people in general. Obviously, there is a strong resentment among citizens who do not know whether police will be able to effect a breakthrough in the cases of abduction. There is ample reason for them to feel threatened.

Press reports suggest that police have gathered information about the possible locations of the hideouts of kidnappers. But for some reason or the other they could not arrest the criminals. It seems there is some flaw somewhere in the way police are chasing the kidnappers, or claming to be doing so.

If the law enforcers believe that kidnapping has become an organised crime with a wide network in the region, they have to adjust or change their strategy to contain it. They should take note of the fact that the businessmen have already demanded deployment of the army to counter the crime. So the efficiency of police has been questioned directly, and it is now their duty to give a better account of themselves in handling the situation.