How much and how long?

The shameless attacks on freedom of speech and association have shown that democracy is still nothing more than a slogan in our country. The bare-faced use of the state machinery for attaining petty party objectives through foiling assemblies and supporting young goons of the party in power demonstrates the inner weaknesses of the parties. By the way, this intolerance is nothing new, as same treatment was meted out during the formation of the NAP back in the 1950s! The other day, I wrote about the Taiwanese Trade office issue. In this case also, the reported closure of the office is another example of poor handling of sensitive diplomatic issues. The inefficient politicians are taking the whole nation to a destination where national honour and dignity will be totally lost. Millions of people desired, struggled, fought a bloody war and made supreme sacrifices in terms of lives and dignity and honour of our mothers and sisters not to see what is happening all around us now. The avowed razakars are moving around with our national flag as ghosts and monsters of pre-liberation and war period, reminding us of our brittle commitment to the principles which form the basis of our nationhood. Some of their accomplices are trying to be champions of democracy and human rights but they do not want to look back to the past, because the past is wrapped in darkness only.

Here, a word of caution for the politicians will not be out of place. These razakars are very likely to sink the ferry that they used to cross the turbulent river. I can only wish and pray that a turn- around on the part of the patriotic forces will take place soon.