দক্ষিণ এশিয়ায় ভোটের রাজনীতি এবং খ্রিস্টান সম্প্রদায়

Bangladeshi Christians who account for less than half percent of some 165 million inhabitants in the country pray during an Easter Mass in Dhaka on April 8, 2007. (Photo: AFP)

 ভারত, বাংলাদেশ এবং পাকিস্তান - একদার ব্রিটিশ উপনিবেশ ভারতীয় উপমহাদেশের তিনটি জনবহুল দেশে নির্বাচনী দামামা বেজে উঠেছে। এ বছরের মধ্যে তিনটি দেশেই জাতীয় নির্বাচন অনুষ্ঠিত হতে চলেছে। এর জের ধরেই প্রধান রাজনৈতিক দলগুলো চিরাচরিত সাংঘর্ষিক রাজনীতি, পারস্পরিক কাদা ছোঁড়াছুড়ি এবং দমন-পীড়ণে লিপ্ত হয়ে পড়েছে।

বিশে^র আটশ কোটির বেশি জনসংখ্যার এক-চতুর্থাংশের বসবাস দক্ষিণ এশিয়ার দেশসমূহে। কিন্তু দরিদ্র সীমার নিচে বাসকারী পৃথিবীর মোট জনগোষ্ঠীর অর্ধেক বাস করে এ অঞ্চলে। সাত দশকের বেশি আগে ব্রিটিশ শাসনের অবসান হলেও এ বিপুল দরিদ্র এবং মৌলিক চাহিদা পূরণে অক্ষম মানুষের জীবনের চরম দুর্দশার অন্যতম প্রধান কারণ হলো দক্ষিণ এশিয়ার দেশগুলোতে সত্যিকার গণতন্ত্রের অভাব, রাজনৈতিক দলগুলোর স্বেচ্চাচারী এবং ক্ষমতাকেন্দ্রিক রাজনীতি, সরকারি ও বেসরকারি পর্যায়ে সীমাহীন দুর্নীতি এবং সমাজের তৃণমূল পর্যায় থেকে শুরু করে রাষ্ট্রের উচ্চ পর্যায় পর্যন্ত দরিদ্র, অবহেলিত এবং পিছিয়ে পড়া জনগোষ্ঠীর উন্নয়নে নীতিমালা এবং কার্যক্রমের ঘাটতি।

দক্ষিণ এশিয়ায় সব দেশেই জাতিগত এবং ধর্মীয় সংখ্যালঘুরা সমাজের দরিদ্র, অবহেলিত, নির্যাতিত এবং ক্ষমতাহীন জনগোষ্ঠীর অন্তভুক্ত। ভারতে যেমন মুসলিম, খ্রিস্টান, বৌদ্ধ এবং আদিবাসী সম্প্রদায় অবহেলা এবং নিপীড়ণের শিকার, তেমনি পাকিস্তানে খ্রিস্টান, হিন্দু এবং উপজাতি জনগোষ্ঠী অধিকতর বঞ্চিত এবং নির্যাতিত। নেপালে সংখ্যালঘু খ্রিস্টান ও মুসলিম, শ্রীলংকায় হিন্দু, মুসলিম এবং খ্রিস্টানরা একইভাবে অবহেলিত এবং পশ্চাৎপদ। 

The dreadful influence of religious fundamentalism

More than 100,000 followers defy a ban on public gatherings to attend the funeral of Islamic preacher Maulana Zubayer Ahmad Ansari in his home village in Bangladesh on April 18. (Photo Supplied)

"Speak no ill of the dead" is an old saying, so it is inappropriate to ask Maulana Zubayer Ahmad Ansari, a prominent Islamic preacher and politician in Bangladesh, why he had to die in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ansari, 56, was a firebrand preacher and leader of Khelafat Majlish, an Islamic political party, who had a large in his home district of Brahmanbaria and in other parts of the country.

More than 100,000 of his diehard followers defied a ban on public gatherings amid an ongoing nationwide shutdown to attend his funeral at his home village on April 18. It made national and international headlines and triggered fear about speedy community transmission of the coronavirus.

Social media sites were flooded with criticism and memes, and many grabbed the chance to hit out at the people of Brahmanbaria, a district known for religious fundamentalism and whose villagers are infamous for deadly violence over trivial matters such as quarreling about food quality at wedding ceremonies, cutting branches and so on.

The government was upset and vented anger by transferring some local officials, although they said they didn't permit the gathering but were helpless to stop it.

In fact, no local administration can stop such large crowds from honoring Islamic leaders, whether dead or alive.

Why do people take such risks to honor Islamic preachers and leaders? And why does the government remain toothless in stopping such gatherings?

A local journalist asked an Ansari follower what made him defy restrictions on movement. The man said he knew about the risks but he was "carried away by emotions."

A dispassionate farewell to a solemn year in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party, the Awami League, have become intolerant of criticism since winning their third straight election in 2018. (Photo by Prakash Singh/AFP)

Every time users log into Facebook they are prompted to post “what’s on your mind” or “what have you been up to.”

Christmas is only a few days away and the year is diminishing fast so it is a good time to reflect on what Bangladesh, and the Church in particular, have encountered in 2019 and what 2020 might have in store.

Ershad leaves bitter Bangladesh legacy

Hussein Muhammad Ershad, former military ruler and president of Bangladesh (Photo: Stephan Uttom/ucanews)

“Hating someone makes him important, forgiving someone makes him obsolete,” is a saying that appeared ironic in Bangladesh when Hussein Muhammad Ershad died on July 14 at the age of 89.

To most Bangladeshis, the country’s second and, hopefully, last military dictator was not worthy of forgiveness, even after death.

He was one of the most hated persons for most people who went through or knew about his iron-fisted military regime from 1982-90. His death following a long battle with illness has triggered more loathing than sympathy among the public and media.

Ershad’s demise has brought an end to his long, controversial military and political careers marked by ups and downs. But his unsavory political legacy is likely to hang over Bangladesh in the years to come.

Bangladesh faces spring of discontent ahead of election

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Khaleda Zia speaks at a press conference in Dhaka on Feb. 7. She proclaimed her innocence of corruption ahead of a court verdict that authorities fear could spark violence. (Photo by Munir Uz Zaman/AFP)

February is one of the most pleasant months in Bangladesh. Besides enjoyable weather, it features a month-long book fair and a commemoration program dedicated to Language Movement heroes of Feb. 21, 1952. It also showcases the colorful spring festival, Valentine's Day and many other cultural feasts.    

But this year, February has come to make Bangladeshis visibly tense and scared.

After a few years of relative peace and stability, Bangladesh is bracing for a political storm poised to hit the entire Muslim-majority nation of 160 million.

A Dhaka court is due to deliver a verdict on Feb. 8 in a corruption case against Khaleda Zia, chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the second largest political party. 

Dark clouds hang over Bangladesh judiciary and democracy

Surendra Kumar Sinha, former Chief Justice of Bangladesh Supreme Court (Photo: Dhaka Tribune)

A Bangladeshi photographer in late July took a shot of a crow flying into a dark storm cloud over the nation’s Supreme Court building.

The photograph, beautiful in itself, came to be seen as both prophetic and highly symbolic.

This was because Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, 66, was subsequently forced to resign, two months before his due retirement, after a government campaign of character assassination. 

In Bangladesh, don’t expect leadership from the leaders

I was at a postgraduate class yesterday, given by Dr. Syed Anwar Husain, professor of history at Dhaka University.

Right at the start of his ‘Introduction to Bangladesh’ he said, “what I am going to tell you is not intended to please or annoy anyone. I do have a political ideology but I’ve never been loyal to any party, because I think there is no party in Bangladesh – just groups of people who trade on politics.”

I agreed with him and I’m sure most of the other students did too. 

Most citizens think that both the ruling Awami League and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party care little about their interests.

On March 7 the Awami League staged a huge procession in Dhaka to mark the day in 1971 when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called on the nation to fight for freedom. But the rally was more a prestige-building exercise than an attempt to pay respects to the man who was the father of our nation.

Next Monday, the opposition will hold another big rally to protest against various government policies and actions. People are afraid that the ruling party will do everything to foil the event and violence will ensue. I’ve heard many people say they will be staying at home to avoid possible clashes.

The harsh reality is that the whole concept of benevolent politics was destroyed when some disgruntled army officers allied with political leaders to kill Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. I

It was just one in a series of assassinations that effectively wiped out all the sincere and progressive leaders.

After 40 years of independence, real democracy in Bangladesh is still a million miles away.

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BNP rally raises tension in Bangladesh capital

 

A deserted street of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka ahead of opposition rally

A rally by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) today has locked down the capital, with city transportation limited or shut down and security forces out in force. 

The Dhaka Cholo, or March to Dhaka, was announced late last year by BNP chairman Khaleda Zia, in an effort to galvanize opposition forces throughout Dhaka to oppose the policies of the ruling Awami League and call for a non-party caretaker government ahead of national polls in 2014. 

Opposition leaders have said that the rally, to be conducted at locations throughout the city, would be the largest in the country’s history. Fear of violence has left most businesses and public transportation shut. 

Habibur Biswas, an office worker, said the disruption of transportation services had created difficulties for workers and students but stressed that political parties should reach a peaceful resolution to their disputes. 

“If the political parties are tolerant and patient, the people won’t need to suffer and [will] live in peace,” he said. 

Holy Cross Sister Shikha Gomes, principal of the Holy Cross College for Girls, said the rally had kept many students at home. 

“Only 5 or 6 students dared to come for class today out of a total of 2,390 [students]. We have not declared a holiday but parents have called us, saying they won’t send their children today over fears of violence.” 

The head of a government-run school said no students turned up today. 

“Our teachers have come but none of the more than 2,200 students,” said the principal, who asked not to be named. 

Awami League leaders have criticized the opposition for creating public suffering by calling for the rally. Local media reports have said that Awami activists have blocked highways and waterways in response to the rally. 

Home Minister Sahara Khatun at a press conference yesterday denied that party members or government officials had closed roads or businesses. 

“We have beefed up security to avoid anarchy. The government has not restricted vehicles and hotels [from operating]. Police are just observing regular duties.” 

BNP acting secretary Mirza Fakrul Islam said today that the opposition was upset over the “undemocratic attitude” of the government and hoped the rally would be a success amid restrictions. 

The government has launched an undeclared war against people and cut the capital off from the rest of the country. We have never seen such a situation in the past and such oppression by the government,” he said yesterday. 

END

Original Article:

BNP rally raises tension in Bangladesh capital

Lying politicians are costing us our greatness

In my high school and college life I studied a bit of politics. In my mother tongue Bengali, politics is translated as Raajniti which literally means ‘King’s rule’. Our teachers sometimes made fun by saying: “politics is the rule that governs all other rules as the King rules his subjects.”

I didn’t get it, but I do now, after finishing my formal studies of politics long ago.

Seeing its misuse and abuse in our country over the years, it strikes me that politics is purely and simply a power-grabbing and money-making tool. I’ve witnessed power transitions and change in political backdrop throughout my life. I’ve read the history books. There has never been a time when this country’s politics was not overshadowed by falsehood, conspiracy, betrayal and self-interest.

Few people outside Bangladesh can realize how much the politicians have stopped this country from realizing its vast potential and developing its prosperity. In a very powerful commentary published late last week in Bangladesh’s leading English daily, The Daily Star, editor Mahfuz Anam strikes down heavily on the political leaders for their all consuming bad practices.

Referring to the current political games between parties, he says our leaders lie so easily because they think we, the people, are idiots. Well, people here are not fools – but we are tired of it. We know that without leaders like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founder and the greatest Bengali leader of all time, Bangladesh will continue to lag behind the world.

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Who cares for the Bangladesh public interest?



A general strike day in Dhaka


Common folks in Bangladesh released the breath of ease when a 36-hour general strike countrywide ended at 6:00 pm today. Opposition party in parliament Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies enforced the strike protesting a government move to annul caretaker government system and 51 recommendations proposed by a special parliamentary committee to amend country’s constitutions. The strike locally known as ‘Hartal’ was second in last eight days after daylong strike on June 5.

Hartal is originally a Gujrati expression signifying closing down shops and warehouses with the object of realizing a demand. Like some other South Asian countries it is a favorite tool to political parties usually when they are not in power. In Bangladesh it is a political weapon frequently used to show agitation against government or ruling party’s decision.

Such a general strike is nightmare to common people who after every five years vote any of the parties to power to care for their interest, their rights. It brings the country to a standstill as all business and service institutions and organizations, except hospitals close down and vehicles stop plying. Empty streets and roads is the common feature on a strike day as people get scared with call for strike as it turns into violent clashes between picketers and law enforcers.

Picketers often torch vehicles, especially buses, the common mode of public transport in Bangladesh. They also vandalize any institution they find open. Most people dare not to come out of residences to avoid possible unpleasant incidents.

The lockdown is widely condemned by most of the people. A recent ucanews.com report shows how harmful such strike is and people hate it. It cripples public life and country’s economy counts huge loss.

The most interesting matter is usually the party that calls strike claims it has taken to streets to restore public interest with voluntary participation of people. Meanwhile, the ruling party says people reject it observing normality of life. Both make people shields for their interest while they are ought to care for public interest. What a farce!

36-hour shut-down was unusually peaceful except some stray violent incidents. From Sunday morning to Monday evening more than ten buses were set ablaze, but no major casualties of fatalities reported. It happened because the government took hard line to stop the strike. Law enforcers took stern actions not to allow opposition activists hold protest rallies and mobile courts in the cities punished hundreds of activist who allegedly gathered for anarchy.

This afternoon a ruling party leader claimed the strike was rejected by people and thus became futile. While opposition leaders said it was a great success and blamed government for suppressing their democratic rights to hold protest rallies. It also declared agitation demos on June 15-15 across the country to protest alleged harassment of its activists by law keepers and mobile courts. It also threatened to call for longer agitation programs including strikes to oust the Awami League-led grand alliance government.

It seems that country’s political conditions are returning to old ugly traits after nearly one peaceful year. The strikes, agitations and clashes between various political party activists are common trends in country’s poor political culture. When in power political parties always promise not take up violent path that hampers public interest. But they forget it when they run for their own interest, to make a political issue.

People say political leaders should avoid violent paths if they really care for their interest, their rights. Do they really care for what people say or think? Do you need an answer?
@ UCAN Blogs on June 14, 2011
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