Face the external threats

Two Saarc member nations are no longer neutral. Bangladesh has to contain the external threat first, before pouncing on the opponents within the country. Abusing and criticising the opponents has to produce tangible and visible results. Drifting apart is not a sign of national unity. Why the status quo is being maintained so diligently?

The opposition stand has to be countered through shifts in mass opinion, and not through hatred and violence. Instead, what is being noticed is a never-ending mud-slinging game. AL is ignoring the contribution of late Ziaur Rahman; and in retaliation, the other side is ignoring the name of Sk Mujibur Rahman. It is no solution by any means. History is being distorted by the interested vested groups.

There appears to be little possibility of BNP and AL coming to terms in the near future. Both BNP and Awami League have to be careful not to lose the basic support which is vital for the sustenance of political parties, large or small.

The politics in Bangladesh is no longer confined to two major parties. The entry of the third element has to be noted seriously, for strategic future planning, both short and long-term. The rising Islamic political parties, good or undesirable, just cannot be wished away. They are now confirmed players in the political field. How to play the game with the new competitors?

Change is a hard taskmaster. We are reminded of Newton's Third Law.

We have hard politics, but no statesmanship. How to rise above politics? It is a queer question, speaking as a citizen. If the leaders of the society are unable to solve the national problems, there is danger ahead. It is not a new phenomenon in any country. We have passed some stages of nationalism, but now all the path is strewn with thorns. Who will pluck the thorns?

Politically we have not advanced much in 30 years.

As a mere citizen, I cannot offer the solution, but I am deeply disturbed with the turn of events. Our society has practically become leaderless.