"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel"

To my horror, I see that a number of readers have failed to differentiate between the state and its government. A critical view about governmental failure to curb extremist activities is not an unpatriotic act! Questioning why opposition party members are being bombed again and again, while patronised criminals are having greater latitude to harass law abiding citizens should be a great concern to any citizen. It matters very little for me whether it were Ms. Griswold or local journalists who took the first scoop of the Bangla Bhai activities. Bringing peoples' motives and patriotism into question is plainly pathetic. Needless to say that a person can be a great patriot but may not agree with all the governmental policies. We need those people! We need dissent, not a carte blanche for the government. So, please do not bring the patriot card to dismiss the other peoples' views! A government is elected to serve the country and its people! It is a job that needs to be performed well without prejudice!

If foreign investors shy away from investing, that is the total responsibility of the present government. Pretending to "see no evil/ hear no evil" is not going to cut! Let's make Bangladesh a safer place to invest. Is it that so difficult? Let's think long term prospects for Bangladesh with inclusive policies!

Let's make our peoples' lives better! That is patriotism!