Further vandalism on dissent

The steps he took were taken by many like him in several democracies around the world. But then what were the reactions of the ruling parties there? For all we know, attempts would be made to play such dramatic defections down with governments in such democracies putting up a brave face as if it was a fly in the face. But hardly ever did they stoop to orchestrated ransacking of the houses and establishments of political detractors. Brave face the ruling alliance here did try to put up for a time, then followed a series of virulent attacks on Dr Badruddoza and MA Mannan. These happened with a blatant criminal flourish bent upon setting a new record in political intolerance.

The price Mannan is having to pay for his alienation from BNP through vendetta exactions by ruling party thugs let loose on him is unheard of, except perhaps in totalitarian states. The latest in the retaliatory strike on him consists in bombing and looting of his beverage companies which left some innocent workers badly hurt. With each passing day the elected government despite being the mandated custodian of law is increasingly appearing in the role of the breaker of law. The way thugs have cut loose in an atmosphere rife with swearing and declaratory statements by top party and JCD leaders vowing stiff resistance to the alternative political initiative, people at home and abroad are likely to wonder whether the government is party or accessory to it. If upholders of the law break it, then what future lies in store for the country? The government must do all in its power to allay the highly negative impression it has created about itself by allowing the retaliatory assaults on the political dissenters.

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Clearly, Khaleda Zia needs to draw a line between her role as party chief and that as the chief executive of the country.