In the aftermath of the arrest of Jashore-based Bangladesh Chhatra League leader Akul Hossain on September 2, and the subsequent interrogation by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, disturbing revelations have come to light about the prevalence of illegal arms trade in the country's southwestern region. According to a report published by this daily on Thursday, Akul, until his arrest, had been smuggling firearms from India and selling them to political leaders of different districts (including Jashore and Khulna) in the last few years.

However, this arrest could have come about two years earlier, in June 2019, when two cases were filed against Akul under the arms and explosives laws after police recovered 12 magazines, three rounds of bullets, one bomb, six locally made weapons, and phensedyl bottles from his Benapole home. It was allegedly due to Akul's connections with influential politicians, such as the Benapole municipality mayor, that he was able to evade arrest for so long. Given the culture of impunity enjoyed by politically connected criminals in Bangladesh, such arrests seldom happen, but what is even rarer is their conviction. So, while those said to be connected with Akul have been quick to distance themselves and deny their involvement in his crimes, there can be no denying that such an illegal trade could not have gone undetected for so long without a little inside help.

In such cases of politically motivated crimes, it is the protection that criminals receive from their political masters that allows them to operate with impunity and carry on with their nefarious businesses. If, as police and local politicians have said, influential Awami League leaders did help Akul conduct his illegal arms trade, then they too need to be dealt with—not just by their party, but also by the law enforcement. Of course, it is first and foremost the responsibility of the law enforcement bodies to deal with such criminal activities impartially and continuously. However, the party itself—the ruling party, in this case—must also keep its own members in check and hold them to account, so that others like them are also discouraged from conducting such illegal activities, which may have a huge destabilising effect on local law and order situation, especially ahead of elections.