Anjali Khan
Let’s work together to build a Bangladesh where freedom no longer needs to be sacrificed for security
- Are we locked in?
Photo- Bigstock
On February 1, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina poignantly said she wished she had the freedom to explore the Boi Mela the way she did as a child. Today, official responsibilities and security concerns impede her from enjoying such pleasures. She wistfully noted that she has to accept such constraints for a while longer.
I hope that there will indeed be a day when she, as a former prime minister, will be able to walk freely and securely at the Boi Mela or wherever she chooses, in the country for which she and her family made so many sacrifices and dedicated their lives. Yet, will Bangladesh’s politics of vengeance enable her to ever enjoy such freedom? If she stays in power, she will be constrained by security protocols.
If she leaves power, will she be able to stop looking over her shoulders? Will she be able enjoy the simple pleasure of walking around the Boi Mela, leafing through books in anticipation of encountering new perspectives, experiencing new worlds?
Her words resonated with me because they point towards the kind of political culture Bangladesh needs. One that would enable any citizen, including politicians, to enjoy freedom and security in the long run.
Sacrificing freedom for security in the short run unfortunately threatens both freedom and security in the long run. There’s no doubt that security is essential. Without it, we cannot enjoy freedom.
At the same time, our leaders cannot lose sight of the need to protect basic freedoms, for their own sake as well as ours. In addition to addressing pressing security concerns, our leaders need to address grievances and narratives of grievances that will continue to fuel the politics of vengeance and ultimately deny all Bangladeshis the freedom and security they deserve.
How can we move towards an environment in which our politicians need not fear for their lives and do not need to sacrifice freedom for security, for themselves and for others?
How can we build a Bangladesh where compassion and understanding rather than security forces would ensure our collective freedom and security?
How can we build a country in which no financial incentive can push citizens to throw petrol bombs and destroy the dreams and lives of citizens striving to support themselves, their families, and their country?
Perhaps one of the reasons why the prime minister’s decision and attempt to visit Begum Khaleda Zia gave citizens hope is that it suggested civility is still possible in inter-party relations.
The locked gates that greeted the prime minister and her entourage signaled the demise of that opportunity, but surely leaders can pursue other opportunities to build a country in which any citizen, whether a prime minister or a common person, can celebrate creativity, study, work, and run errands without constant fear of violence.
Mukti chai. Political violence is holding each and every one of us hostage. We want freedom from violence and the fear of violence. We want the freedom to explore and fulfill our potential.
The prime minister’s thoughtful and thought-provoking words reminded us that no one is exempt from constraints on freedom. Let’s work together to build a Bangladesh where freedom no longer needs to be sacrificed for security.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
Keep pumping Dhaka Tribune. This is what we did during Ayub’s regime and also during Ershad; s dictatorship. All we need is lackeys like you to undermine the general consensus. This article is sugar coating the PM with your chamchagiri. Perhaps you will get some kudos from PMs Office if she reads this. There are many like you who are using their pen to curry favor with a repressive regime. They are all extending their cans for some coins to drop.