This kind of systematic crime is always unacceptable. However, the fact that it is the business community that has been targeted makes it all the more urgent for the local authorities to take steps to bring the law and order situation in the city under control.

We are at something of a loss to understand how such a state of affairs has come to pass. One would have thought that after last year's sensational abduction of business magnate Jamaluddin, that remains unsolved to this day, and that launched a massive shake-up in the port city police force, the city authorities would have given extra attention to the travails of the business community, and be working overtime to ensure that they are free to do business without fear.

However, it is clear that precious little has improved for businessmen in the city. It seems that they are as vulnerable and unprotected as they were before. Indeed, things have got to such a state that the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has been forced to set up a cell to monitor attacks on businesses and to help the affected parties.

This is a commendable measure on the part of the CCCI, but only goes to show how far the authorities have abdicated their responsibility to keep the business community safe and secure. When the business community must rely on private means to protect themselves, then it is safe to say that the police are not doing their job properly.

Chittagong has long been the hub of commercial activity in Bangladesh. The country's growth and development depend on the city flourishing and expanding and on the continuing evolution of Chittagong's commercial sector. As such, the protection of the city's business community is vital to the well-being of our economy.