End of political rule?

The timing of the attack gives rise to many questions, with the nation bogged down in post-flood rehabilitation activities affecting millions of people. Why this was ignored by the terrorists, and their godfathers? Not interested in human welfare during the emergency phase of resettling into normal life? Why this political crime got higher priority? Why political time is running short?

Now the migration (desertion) from political careers will increase, as few aspirants would ignore the insecurity of political danger to family life. Violence has entered politics, and it would be difficult to control it quickly (look at examples in the other countries). Second, religion comes in political policy-making, and it is dangerous and unpredictable, as it is ruled by the heart (faith). Good-bye to logic and rationality. What are we fighting for?

The politicians failed to govern the country, as 14 years' experience proves. "Democracy" is touted as a propaganda gimmick, (not only in Bangladesh, but also elsewhere in the world). So the citizens are facing the Hobson's choice: who would rule the country in the near future. Leadership is in short supply, and those available have to rise to the occasion, or face the rule of default; a recurring phenomenon in the developing nations.

Immutable moral principles are independent of contemporary opinions; the more so the more political the viewpoint. Violence and hatred return to the source, and there is no escape from this retribution. Our public leaders are facing a trying test: worry more about self-security or devote more time to genuine public service?

This distraction is going to cost the nation dearly. The tension due to intolerance is becoming unbearable in different spheres of public life. The leaders and the workers are aware of the implications; but short-term gains rule the day-to-day policies. What are the limits of exploitation?

What next? That is the question haunting the minds of the 100 million adults and children who are aware of the dangers. On the morning of August 22, my 10-year old niece (a student of class V) rang us up and cautioned her elder cousin (age 25) not to take out his car for going to work. She cares for the safety of her near and dear ones. Why such mental impositions on such an innocent child?

The ball is in the court of the so-called leaders. Deliver or quit!