Why such violent death for a mild-mannered politician?

Numerous others are living under death threats under a variety of pretexts and reasons. Unfortunately, I was also not spared such threats, being cautioned not to go to Dhaka University where I teach for a period of time, or face dire consequences. In spite of all this, we somehow lead our lives and follow our daily routines. The nation however slides into more and more "irrationality."

This state of affairs can only serve the interests of the few at the sacrifice of the common good. It is an earnest hope that the government recognizes this, and the sooner the better. A democratically elected government is in danger of losing its very legitimacy unless it can control such acts of violence and bring the killers to justice. The government should also understand that the image of the country is tarnished by these acts of violence, not by protests at these acts, nor by letting others know of them.

It is in this backdrop that I wish to write a few words as tribute to Mr. Kibria. Some of us had the opportunity to work closely with the deceased as members of his consultative committee on macroeconomic issues. The committee in itself was set up to encourage more rational and informed policy making, because different individuals from different view points were brought together to advise the ex-Finance Minister in his policy decisions, based on their experience and expertise. What was important in these meetings for all concerned was the objectivity of the analysis they offered.

These meetings, held regularly, gave us an opportunity to interact closely with Mr. Kibria. What struck me was that our ex-Finance Minister was an exceptionally mild-mannered man. He treated us all with courtesy and patience, listening to our analysis and views, though we all knew that the ultimate decision and responsibility was his alone.

In a nation prone to aggressive behaviour and settling disputes with guns and bombs, rather than words and intellect, the mild manners of Mr. Kibria were something to be admired and remembered. It is also striking that the journal that Mr. Kibria edited is called Mild Speech (Mridu Vashon). It is obvious that our ex-Finance Minister valued this attribute of mildness and cultivated this in his own behaviour. It is thus an irony that he had to face a violent death. It is also an irony that he died untreated on the long journey from Habiganj to Birdem.

Perhaps the law enforcing agencies could not, as they say, prevent the attack on him. Nor were they able to apprehend the killers immediately. One wonders what the constraints are. But where were those in charge of health administration or the administration in general in Habiganj? Why could not a helicopter be arranged for his transportation? Why are we spending so much money on various public services and the law-enforcing agencies unless they are able to respond to the public needs? The present Finance Minister may well consider.

There is perhaps nothing that will console the family of Mr. Kibria and that of other victims. We can only offer them our heartfelt condolence. But is it not our moral duty to protest and prevent any further such violent deaths? May the soul of Mr. Kibria and all other victims rest in peace.

Nasreen Khundker is Professor of Economics, University of Dhaka.