Common sense takes leave

It is unheard of and totally unacceptable.

The authorities' announcement to the effect that the CMH advised all and sundry against visiting Humayun Azad in his critical condition is perfectly in order, but it appears to be an afterthought of an explanatory note insofar as denying entry to Sheikh Hasina went. She is not only the leader of the opposition but also a former prime minister of the country with a high protocular standing on the warrant of precedence. Likewise, it is inexplicable why former president of the republic AQM Badruddoza was debarred. The entries could be restrictive but not denied to people of their standing.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

It seems the government has lost all sense of propriety; for, the affront given to opposition leaders was entirely avoidable if only a little bit of administrative imagination was brought to bear on the approach. To think that there was not even an intent to do so was the most unfortunate part of it.

It basically boils down to an arrogant use of executive power. The government in no way can justify the denial of common courtesy to opposition leader Sheikh Hasina and former president AQM Badruddoza. The treatment meted out to them is reflective of an arrogance of power that is blindfolded to democratic considerations and humanitarian sensibilities. That the image of the country has not been brightened can be said without any fear of contradiction.