Impressive indeed!
I was profoundly touched and impressed by Member of Parliament Kader Siddiky's comments during the assembly condolences over the demise of their colleague Ahsanullah Master. While 'Tiger' Siddiky is known well for his quixotic words and actions, it is heart-warming to see someone openly stand up for our emotional sensibilities. Thanks to Mr. Siddiky, the Jamaat-e-Islami MPs, who otherwise traditionally lead any prayers in the House, were kept away from eulogising the late labour leader from Tongi. It is bad enough that collaborators of yesterday sit in our councils of government today; there is no need to further mock our pride by having them shed false tears over people they would have butchered 33 years ago.
Democracy, in its mystical glory, has yielded us a few erstwhile Quislings in the sacred House of our Republic, fair enough. But please don't expect the rest of us to pretend that collaborators and freedom fighters are all the same. Not until the day that Jamaat openly and unambiguously apologises to the nation, can I welcome them as equal partners in our journey. Not until they earnestly pledge fealty to our Republican constitution, can they be given much respect.
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