However, an arms haul of this magnitude is also cause for concern. This was the first haul of such a scale in Dhaka, and the police were shocked to find that arms had penetrated into the heart of the capital and that such a sizeable haul could exist right under their noses. The recovery of the arms raises the question of how many more such caches might still be there.

It is clear that a thorough investigation is called for to determine whose weapons were recovered and how they managed to get to Dhaka. The authorities need to look at all the possibilities and spare no effort to get to the bottom of where the arms came from and what they were intended to be used for.

The home minister's statement in this respect was a little presumptuous. By publicly mentioning that the authorities are investigating links between the arms haul and "the so-called third force" he points the finger of suspicion in that direction.

We fail to see what can be gained by this public pronouncement. Pointing a finger of suspicion in one direction cannot possibly advance the investigation that needs to be undertaken without any preconceived notions. If anything it runs the risk of prejudicing the inquiry. And since nothing has yet been proved one way or the other, it was premature to even mention it.

At least in this instance the ills of the country are not being blamed on the opposition. Nevertheless, if it is perceived that hints of possible third force involvement constitute an unwarranted diversion, would it come as any surprise?