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Dr. B vs government

19 March 2004, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By A F Rahman, Dhaka
19 March 2004, 18:00 PM
I just cannot reconcile if the govt. of Bangladesh has started a crusade against Dr. B. Chowdhury and his 'alternative stream'; if so, why? I have been a staunch follower of Zia and well-wisher of the BNP headed by Madam Zia, but cannot support the current hot-headed machination by any 'storming' party! I do not see any wrong doing if Dr. B, a gentle and honest citizen of the country (forgetting for a while that he is a former President of the country), having an alternative thinking decided to float his own movement to endeavour for a terror-free, corruption-less and a democratic Bangladesh for the greater interest of the people -- in the name of whom, however, everyone belonging to BNP, AL or JP indulge in politics. If we vouch that human rights, freedom of speech do exist in our country, why then we try to quash someone's right to express and spoil their meeting by attacking with stones and sticks? At least such activities do not speak of any quality on the part of the govt. It's sad and unacceptable that Dr. B's podium and microphones were reportedly vandalised at 'Muktangan' -- the venue which is free for all. (And apprehension of mishaps and procurement of special permission did not help Dr. B. in going about his democratic activities)!

It's all the more deplorable and distressing to learn that the proposed party's Secretary General Major (retd) Mannan was under more severe attack and threat by hoodlums and cadres of JCD! But why? Can he not choose to join any party in politics as a free citizen of a free country? Can I not support or belong to any party of my free choice; why should I not be allowed to express my feeling or allegiance with dignity? No, such things (as we read in newspapers) can no more be allowed to continue in our beloved motherland, for which we fought and sacrificed millions. Perhaps one day this sleeping nation will wake up again and shed more blood, if yet necessary.

I wonder what the govt. has to say when bombs are hurled at Dr. B's clinic and Major Mannan's residence or his industries are shut down by the ruling party activists. How you and me can feel safe in such an insecure situation as an ordinary citizen? I fail to understand if such govt. backed attacks on opponents can bring any good to the administration or these sorts of unconstitutional and uncivilised behaviour would add another feather to its cap of failures? According to your news coverage, how sad it is that there was official decision to give a hard time to the 'alternative political stream' of Dr. B. I also fail to understand under what norm the BNP led govt. could (reportedly) so decide. May Allah rescue them and save this nation.

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