The nation must break out of the AL-BNP narrative to tackle bigger problems
This situation has not developed overnight, and there is no time for fairy tales, as a group is now trying to challenge the state.
A part of our society has harboured them and helped them to grow, and they are as responsible for it as the wrong principles of the government.
The social and cultural institutions, writers, artists, all have to play a big role. However, are they planning to do anything? America or other Western nations would fan the flame — they will not put it out.
There is no point waiting for others’ help. We need to address our own issues ourselves — if we want to resist the conspiracies to turn this country into another Iraq, Afghanistan, or Pakistan.
Although the government is denying it, analysts conclude that IS is in Bangladesh. If this were a strategic tact, I would accept that it is a right approach. Since, as soon as we accept that IS exists in Bangladesh, we make ourselves vulnerable to a number of American strategies.
To understand the motives, it is important to figure out whether the terrorists are local or international, but it is irrelevant in order to prevent terrorist activities.
It is important to understand who Rita Kurtz is and what the SITE Intelligence Group is. This group gets news feeds from terrorist cells that are circulated around the world as truth.
We needed a much clearer briefing on SITE. For example, the terrorists had released a number of hostages before the siege ended — then, who rescued whom?
In the absence of clear messaging, international media kept reporting that this was an IS-style attack. Some of the Indian media reported that the growth of IS in Bangladesh is a worry for India.
Many are claiming trickery, as the father of an attacker was an AL politician. While we must protest against the AL’s repressive politics, to allege that AL has plotted in this attack is a fantasy, and a symptom of depressive outburst.
Many are also blaming the parents for the sins of their children, but the youth are not solely influenced by their families. Others in society influence and control their thoughts too.
Family members of the terrorists should not face animosity, and innocent people must not be punished.
The victims are citizens of our development partners. In particular, Japan helps us to develop and to build infrastructures, roads, and bridges. Terrorist attacks will no doubt be a big blow to our economy.
For example, a group of Westerners were due to come to Dhaka to visit a school that we run through direct funding from them. They train the teachers.
Now, they are asking me how safe it is, and if they should come.
All need to work together for peaceful co-existence of all religious groups.
We need to teach everyone how to follow our religions while respecting others. We need to look for solutions, keeping in mind that communal feelings are on the rise in society, and the state is tolerating it.
A senior citizen stated yesterday that he does not feel safe going to the Gulshan mosque for prayers; instead, he is praying at home. People will start to fear to go to places of gathering, shopping malls, schools, and rail stations.
A culture of fear will be enough to destroy the nation. That is why there is no alternative than to protest.
This is not a political issue between the two main political parties — AL and BNP; rather it is a long-term issue for our country. Hence, we all have to work together, forgetting our differences.
However, that may prove more challenging than uprooting terrorists. All parties need to stop using religion in politics. An amendment to the constitution to that effect is the call of the hour. This is not an attack on Hindus, Buddhists, or the indigenous people, but against the state.
After the Gulshan attack, the nation must think everything afresh. Yet, the state is not taking any such attempt. Following a similar script, two suspected criminals in the murder of SP Babul’s wife was killed in “crossfire.” No one believes in crossfires anymore.
The government knows this, but is still continuing with this strategy. As if all of us have forgotten that violent outbursts stem from social and state injustice.
The government claims two suspects were captured, but they were not produced before the court within 24 hours, as per the law. We cannot find legal solutions bypassing the law. We need to remember this during all legal proceedings.
If the investigation remains stuck in the ongoing political partisan rhetoric, and if we fail to see the fruits of our chetona (consciousness), then despair will grip us — the tendency to leave the country will increase.
Politicians have already transferred their money and family overseas.
The caravan of others seeking refuge overseas will be lengthened. In the end, we should also notice that all of us will have to pay if the Gulshan killing is stuck in the AL-BNP narratives. We have to be watchful. We must create a different narrative. λ
Jyotirmoy Barua, Barrister, is an Advocate at the Bangladesh Supreme Court.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
There must not be any precondition to national unity. If people do not like BNP’s electoral alliance with Jamat, they will reject BNP in a free and fair election. Awami League should not stress much about this. The civil society should take the lead to organise a national convention against terrorism by inviting all registered political parties of Bangladesh. It is up to the political parties and the groups to attend or not.
A nicely written candid article.
Fact remains, religion has always been a tool to grab, establish & retain power, all countries over the centuries have similar stories to tell. Its no different in Bangladesh.
The mind set of the ruling class across the board is similar, i.e., ‘we have to stay in power & that is the last word, come what may’. All tricks at any cost are fair game in power politics.
Bad luck for the law abiding citizens.