A guerilla-type attack on a shopping arcade, a dacoity in a tailoring shop and mugging of two businessmen — all happening on Friday — in the port city of Chittagong are enough to strike terror in the minds of general public. The incidents come on the heels of a series of crimes including the sensational dacoity case at Segunbagicha in the capital.

So here is a most ominous development, so far as the law and order goes. The new government is pledge-bound to eliminate terrorism. Whether the anti-social elements have decided to strike before the new government is well settled is a point to ponder. The way they are carrying on could be a confidence-shaker. Hence, such incidents must not recur with the police giving an impression of their unmitigated helplessness.

What the people therefore expert is immediate action. The home ministry's instructions to the police to avoid brutality and cruelty in dealing with criminals seem to have been misinterpreted. The message that the police must do their duty with firmness and efficiency is yet to get through.

In the particular incident of the gunmen's raid on a Chittagong shopping complex, the presence of a group of patrol police was Of no consequence as they reportedly neither made an attempt to challenge the robbers nor tried to contact any nearby thana or. police headquarters for a reinforcement.

It is good to know that the on-duty policemen have been suspended. One would like to know if they had connived with the gunmen. The home ministry must act fast and decisively before the goons get another day.