by F R Chowdhury
It is understood that in 1971, prior to leaving Dhaka for one last time, General Yahiya Khan, the then president and chief martial law administrator of Pakistan had a brief meeting with his commanders. It is reported that he asked his commanders to shoot, kill and terrorise the people of East Pakistan so that they forget all about “Joy Bangla”. He asked them to silence the people once for all. President Yahiya had no choice. He wasted all chances of a negotiated settlement and peaceful hand-over of power to the majority party leader Sheikh Mujib. By then he perhaps realized that he was badly guided by Bhutto and the generals. But he had no chance of turning back. It became a do or die situation for Bangladeshis. They knew very well that if Pakistan succeeded in silencing them then there was no chance of living together in Pakistan as equal partners. There was only one path open to them – to fight and liberate Bangladesh. That is how Bangladesh came into being.
1971 to 2015 is a long time gap of nearly 44 years. We suddenly come across a new Yahiya Khan. This one is not the president of Pakistan. He is not even a Pakistani general. He is Deputy Inspector General of Police and his name is S. M. Mahfuzul Haq Nuruzzaman. He reminds us of those black days and nights when Bangladeshis were killed at random by Pakistani forces. Mr. Nuruzzaman told his police force to shoot whenever necessary and that he would stand for it. He also complained against previous government for not promoting him because he is from Gopalganj. Recently the Director General of BGB also uttered similar verses. He said that his force has not been supplied with arms to play around. They will fire whenever required. The Director General of RAB (also from Gopalganj) went one step farther by declaring that all political activities will be crushed. There is a big competition to win the favour of the prime minister.
This competition is taking place because the government has engaged all law enforcement agencies for one purpose only – to crush the political opponents. They have no time to think of anything else. The actual law and order situation has gone down to its lowest point. Human beings are killed at a rate faster than killing of flies and mosquitoes. Extra-judicial killing by law enforcement agencies are increasing. Instead of inquiry, investigation or punishment, they are being rewarded. Over 5000 BNP activists and supporters spent their Eid under captivity. Hundreds of BNP leaders who were elected heads at various levels of local government have been sacked on charges of corruption and are now replaced by government appointed administrators. This is the name of the game – democracy.
We could talk about law and order if there was any. Unfortunately it has gone to a level beyond perception. Two foreign nationals have also been killed. There is panic among foreigners. Australian cricket team postponed their visit. The South African women’s team also followed the Australian path. Many foreigners are leaving Bangladesh out of fear. Many foreign buyers of garments cancelled their visits. Coxes Bazar hotels saw mass cancellation of booking orders. This situation is bound to cause serious adverse impact on our economy. For the government it is another chance to suppress and oppress political opponents in the name of getting rid of terrorists.
God knows better what our prime minister achieved in New York that even before her return roads were blocked for her reception. That was not enough. Both mayors of Dhaka with their BAL (Bangladesh Awami League) supporters arranged for a massive public reception. People were dancing and singing as if there would be no tomorrow. We have seen record number of people making national flag and again record number of people singing national anthem. They are good for ego and emotion but they do not contribute to progress and prosperity. Celebrations for Pahela Baishak, Rabindra Jayanti, Nazrul Jayanti, various birthdays, hatya dibosh and prattaborton dibosh are done more than ever before perhaps to hide lack of progress. People are more aware now and they know when things are being overdone to divert attention.
The prime minister and other ministers are talking of the nation being flooded with developments. But in truth the young generations are leaving the country in desperation. Lot of them are dying in their efforts to go abroad. Perhaps to them death is better than living in Bangladesh. Finally we look at the prime minister. Her sister is settled in the United Kingdom. Her son is in the United States. Her daughter is in Canada. I do not know if she still has any connection with Bangladesh. She will make sure that she does not face any charge in Bangladesh. Love for the country and its people are not on the agenda.
It is time for people to rise up. God helps those who help themselves. May Allah grant freedom and democracy back to the people of Bangladesh.
