Political patronisation of crime and terror

In a front page item, Prathom Alo (August 31, 2003) reported that six listed top terrorists participated in the ruling party gathering and procession at Khulna on Friday, 29 August. The gathering and demonstration were led by Khulna Mayor, ruling party MPs and other high ranking leaders. The police supposedly have been digging deep, searching long and hard and leaving no stone unturned to apprehend these notorious and despicable crime bosses. Police incidentally provided efficient and professional escort and guard to the procession.

Golam Farooq Avi, past student leader and former MP, and the main accused and suspect in the model Tinni murder case has surfaced, according to the last page report in Daily Jugantor (31 August 2003), in Canada and is actively seeking political asylum there. He was reportedly seen in the exalted company of top expatriate BNP leaders. He supposedly met a reputable immigration lawyer. Lawyers in the West, especially those dealing with immigration matters, are often compared to blood sucking leaches and blood curdling piranha. But this lawyer, once he learned of the background of and the main reason for Avi fleeing the country, refused to accept the case. The Jugantor report concluded that, once his plea for sanctuary is granted, Avi will ceremonially join the ruling party. In the existing political culture, that action of course will singularly wash away all his ostensible sins and absolve him of all alleged misdeeds.

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One has to come to the disturbing and distressing realisation that all major political parties undeniably have close-knit contact with criminal godfathers and cadres. Major political parties have become equal opportunity users, ushers, usurpers, clients and customers of criminal bands and illegal activities. The politicians, despite sanctimonious pledges and pompous utterances, are more in sync with the criminal elements than the decent, law-abiding citizens, whom they vowed under constitutional oath, to serve. With very few exceptions, they could not care less for the wellbeing of the common people and the good of the country.

The lack of scruples, integrity and ethics among those wielding political power, authority and influence is at the crux of criminal ascendance and excess of intimidation and violence. Life in this country is meandering along with empty pledges, unfulfilled promises, despairing existence and unspeakable acts of crime.

There is no indication that things will get better, with the present cast of characters in the political arena, anytime soon. In the recent spate of murder of prominent political figures in Khulna, Dhaka and elsewhere, two major parties have blamed each other, as they habitually, repeatedly and insipidly do. This customary blame game, without proper investigation or established facts is devious, disconcerting, disgusting and deceitful. Most people, however, feel and believe that either or both parties may be correct in their assertion. That demonstrates the extent of, or lack of any trust, confidence and esteem public have for these political parties.

Omar Khasru is Special Assistant to VC, North South University