Politics?

We are depositing political silt on river silt (the latter weighs two billion tons per annum!). The personalities of the politicians have been laundered with a new type of anti-detergentpolitical arsenic. Both the masses and the leaders are suffering from this diseaseone natural, and the other social. We stand and stare, as the smiling clouds pass by, waving good-bye to democracy.

We created Bangladesh to learn some lessons; but the lessons we have learnt have become debatable. We have another unique talent: We can debate without an issue! We have such an inventive mind that the weird outputs are beyond patent anywhere in the world.

It is dismaying to find that our political culture is not yet institutionalised. Perhaps that is the lofty reason why the opposition hesitates to sit in the parliament, waiting for a formal entry after proper recognition of, not their mundane demands, but the state of the art of politicking. The problem is to find an arbitration body, to sit over judgement.

Opposing is like holding siesta. From time to time, just make some noise, and get back to private business. For the MPs to get their perks, just sign the attendance register once within 90 days. What a lordly style of earning from the public exchequer!

The opposition does not believe in shadows (but in reality), hence there is no Shadow Cabinet, the menacing appearances are real, and sometimes terrifying. But the April 30 voodoo jadoo mantar failed for some mysterious reason. Wait for the next totka.

Traditional political culture is now suspect, judging from the distant warning signal from the neighbour. The old order was ditched unceremoniously-deeply rooted religion cannot dance to political whims displayed by the branches and the leaves. The message is: Come down to mother earth. The outgoing regime got the message, and retreated politely, and meekly. Recess for introspection.

In Bangladesh, new forms of political coercion are being tried, alerting the media to take serious notice. The coalition partners in the regime kept low profile for two years, and are now coming into the open. The yatra (journey) is livening up--expect melodramatic effects now and then.