They took all possible necessary precautions. Because of the alertness of our law-enforcing agencies it may be concluded that the terrorists did not dare to commit much bigger or more dangerous acts. However, this terrorist group has shown that it can create a panicky situation to unnerve the administration, and that it has the capability to challenge our law-enforcing agencies.

Even if we say that not much damage could be done due to alertness of our police force, it would not be correct to assume that the terrorists will not go for more dangerous attacks in wider areas.

Despite the claim of transparency, we are constrained to point out that not much has been done to make the common people aware of such a danger. What is important is that the government must not depend entirely on the police force or other law-enforcing agencies.

At this stage the government may seek cooperation and participation of the common people to stop these nefarious activities. It has to reach the root of the problem.

It must make all-out efforts to find out the source of financing of these militants. It must identify people involved directly or indirectly in motivating, recruiting and training of the activists.

How about the activities of madrassas, institutions and groups engaged in promoting Islam? What about the possibility of Al Qaida followers, driven out from Pakistan, seeking shelter here? If necessary, the government may ask for cooperation from the government of Pakistan for stopping suspected Al Qaida activists from entering Bangladesh.

The government should think about adopting long-term programmes to stop the surreptitious activities of the militants. This should be possible through modernising madrassa education. Without proper planning for modernising the syllabi, the madrassa students will remain as possible threats to peace and tranquillity.

What is needed is to bring these people into the mainstream. They may be engaged in various development efforts. They must be taught about the necessity for establishing democracy in Bangladesh.

This will help them to understand that the followers of different religions and faiths have equal rights in performing their religious duties and obligations.

They must be told that Ahmediyas have been living in this sub-continent for a long time, and that they have never been considered as a threat to the Muslims, and also that the Muslims have no right to kill them or to force them to abjure their faith.

What is necessary for the madrassa-educated people is faith in religion, patriotism, and being useful to other religions. If necessary, they may acquire basic principles of other major religions in Bangladesh like Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism.

By respecting and loving their fellow countrymen they may gain a lot for themselves and their country. By hating other faiths they do positive harm for themselves and their country. They must not be under any illusion that Islamic constitution or rules can be introduced through their violent activities.

What is most important for the government is motivating the people to discourage fanaticism and bigotry, and raising a consciousness about the need for establishing democracy for peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.

It may be advisable for the government to be more careful about the safety and security of the NGO officials. The present government is trying hard to combat corruption. Because of the present government's neutrality, this may be the right time and opportunity for wiping out fanaticism from the country.

For the present case, an enquiry committee can be constituted to find the following:

• Whether Jadid Al Qaida is a branch of Al Qaida or JMB
• Source of financing of the group
• Why railway stations were targeted
• From where the bomb-making materials were acquired
• What organisations are involved directly in this incident

It may be possible, after proper investigation, for the government to take appropriate steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The writer is a former Joint Secretary.