The Hizbut men were reportedly distributing some leaflets containing their version of religion which the locals found highly objectionable. When the angry people tried to resist the move, they were attacked with hammers in a ruthless demonstration of frenzied action. We have to recall here that the Hizbut supporters used the same method to club people in Kushtia a few weeks ago.

An outfit like the Hizbut, whatever might be its real strength in terms of following, is a disruptive force that must be nipped in the bud. They have perpetrated two crimes in their bid to familiarise people with the 'teachings' of Islam as perceived by them. First, they have tried to distort the basic tenets of Islam, which are as old as the religion itself. They are perhaps not even aware of the fact that such distortion amounts to disservice to religion. Second, their strategy includes use of force in the process of 'educating' people -- a clear deviation from the teachings of Islam. They did not hesitate to kill and maim when confronted with popular resistance.

What we witnessed last Friday was a skirmish between people and the zealots representing a fanatic group. Recent incidents suggest that people will cooperate with the law enforcers if they launch a drive against such self-styled reformers who can only create chaos and confusion. It is their duty to keep vigil over the situation; take note of pernicious growth of religious fanaticism; and counter it through legal measures.

Though it is not precisely known what the Hizbut men are up to, it is clear that they have an agenda which goes against the principle of religious tolerance that people believe in. Such bigotry must be contained for harmony and stability in society.