The month of Siam is believed to be one of the greatest blessings of Allah and it is observed with due solemnity by the devotees.

The month is especially significant in today's global context as violence and hostilities are taking a heavy toll of human lives. Only the high ideals of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and self-restraint that the spirit of Ramadan is all about can put an end to this intolerable situation which is but the result of mindless pursuit of antagonism and crass materialism.

One virtue of Ramadan is that it enables the affluent to experience the pangs of hunger and deprivation first-hand. Can there be a better way of feeling the miseries and sufferings of the poor and the under-privileged?

The government has taken some preemptive steps to counter lawlessness during the month. It has decided to deploy 40 squads of police, ansars, BDR and armed police in the city alone to combat crime.

Law and order has to be maintained to ensure the security of people. But the decision-makers must not be oblivious of the tremendous pressure that the latest price-hike is putting on people of limited means. Hoarding and market manipulation often take place during this month and people in general have to bear the brunt of it all. So alongside maintaining law and order, the government agencies concerned should see to it that people are not fleeced out of their hard-earned money by hoarders and profiteers.

The law enforcers must also address the problems caused by makeshift Iftar stalls. Traffic congestion becomes unavoidable as public mobility increases manifold and stalls encroach deep on to the roads. Finally, health and hygiene standards have to be maintained. A vigil must be kept on the quality of Iftar items sold. Adulteration of food needs to be checkmated.

The sanctity of the holy month will be best reflected by not only the respect that we show to those who fast but also by the commitment of all concerned to the welfare of society as a whole.