Technical Education is a must for Nation Building
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed, Former Deputy Director General and Commandant, Ansar VDP Academy : Crimes are terrible social burden. It is detrimental to society. With the advancement of civilizations and the progress of economic and infrastructure development, crimes have increased and getting more complex.
If we focus on the threats or challenges of globalization we can easily notice that one of the most serious challenges to the society is that of organized crime, which has posed a serious threat for economic, political and social institutions, as well as hampered the peaceful life of the citizens. At the same time, criminal undertakings have been affecting domestic and foreign investments, adversely affecting the daily flow of economic activities and thus, undermining sound economic growth as well as political and social stability.
Peace and stability is prerequisite for economic development and development. Both require a solid foundation of justice and are seriously undermined by inequities, corruption, social disorders and escalating crimes.
Increasing criminal phenomenon has of late overtaken the social scenario in the both developed and developing countries. Crime and violence threaten internal peace, impair the very foundation of social life and cause deprivation to the enjoyment of basic human rights, which in turn generate cynicism, apathy and provoke a loss of confidence in the capacity and willingness of the state to protect its subjects. Organized crime is infiltrating into legitimate businesses and its roots have extended into the financial system. Crimes diminish the prospect of balanced national growth; accentuate the income disparity and causes hardships to consumers due to diversion of resources meant for development purpose into illicit channels.
In Bangladesh, developmental efforts are hampered by unbridled growth of population, illiteracy and political instability. It is believed that economic progress reduces incidence of crime, but now this belief seems to face a great challenge: A few years ago, the United Nations Social Defence Research Institute (UNSDRI) conducted a study on the process of economics in North America and Western Europe and arrived at the conclusion that all types of crimes were committed at a higher rate with the economic growth in all those countries. Meanwhile, technological advancement is introducing automation in industrial process. As a result, demand for labor is experiencing a decrease. This phenomenon is adversely affecting the society. It is also to be noted that the procurement of various kinds of raw materials and commodities through import has also created opportunities for new types of crime. That is why slums are growing up around railway stations.
The most important duty of our democratic government is to maintain law and order in the country so that the people can live peacefully. This vital job of government is done mainly through Bangladesh police. Although police play a major role in the criminal justice system, their entire effort would end in vain unless other counterparts i.e. judiciary, magistracy, lawyers, correction centers etc. work hand in hand. Recruitment in Police and Judicial departments should be made on the basis of merit and steps should be taken for giving them necessary training besides providing increased and special facilities for them.
Last but not the least, it may be mentioned here that considering the heavy human and material costs of crime in Bangladesh, which has competitive demands on her scarce resources, the economic planners while preparing the national development plan may give due consideration to the subject of law enforcement and criminal justice. The question in dealing with the preservation, progress and correction of the society by successful enforcement of law should be ungrudgingly included in the national development plan of the country in the days to come.