Bangladesh, Oct. 2 -- wo disturbing incidents came to light this week, even as they went under the radar somewhat, amid the general chaos and violence that has severely hampered law and order even under an elected government. Yet they stand out for their potential to portend the future of the nation.

Taken together, they suggest a struggle over who gets to define the boundaries of acceptable thought, acceptable behaviour and individual freedom in Bangladesh.

The University Press Limited outlet in Banglabazar was forcibly shuttered after two men showed up and objected to the sale of Oshomapto Attojiboni, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's autobiography, claiming that it was banned - which was patently false of course. Police subsequently confirmed...