Attack on Mahmudur

We can all agree that Mahmudur Rahman, a former acting editor of a now-defunct newspaper, is hardly an unblemished figure. What we should also agree is that the attack on him, or anyone for that matter, is unacceptable.

Under no circumstance is physical violence acceptable in a civilised society. No matter how profoundly we disagree with a person, it is simply inappropriate to assault him or her. That's the principle we all should accept.

What makes the attack on him more despicable is the fact that it took place on the court premises, where everyone goes to seek justice. The attack was, therefore, also an assault on the sanctity of the court.

We find the inaction by the police during the attack and in its aftermath reprehensible. They were there to protect him, and should have been careful of the dangers, and acted to prevent them and catch the perpetrators.