Politics of destruction and intimidation

This is not merely an isolated statement from a wayward ``lathial'', but is reflective of the fascist tendencies that have crept into our national politics over the last few decades. Each successive government seems to have set new records for intolerance and criminalisation of politics. The party faithful responds to criticisms by pointing out the lows of the past government. The partisan dialogue is not whether a particular behaviour is abhorrent or not--it's always about the scale of the outrage-- is it any worse or better than past ones inflicted by the other party?

In the recent past, we have seen attempts on the life of a noted author Humayun Azad, apparently because of unflattering accounts on the role of some party, now in the seat of power, during the liberation war. In the name of protecting the unity of BNP, we see BNP enthusiasts enforcing their will with brute force, with no reprimands from party higher-ups, and with apparent collusion of the police force present at the scene. During the last government's tenure, we saw uncontrolled criminal behavior by an Awami League stalwart in beating up and maiming a journalist. These are only a few examples as one can cite many other instances.

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As much as the general populace is sick and tired of what's going around them, they find themselves helpless in stopping this downward slide. Even the sane elements within each of the main political parties are unable to control the agenda of their own parties, that appear to have been taken over by zealous young Turks, aided and abetted by criminal elements.

How did we get ourselves into this mess?
Democracy is functional only when its institutions are functional. Yet, every government since independence seems to have done its part to damage these institutions, without paying a political price. When public servants lose their jobs or are given unpalatable postings for being on the wrong side of the political divide, it sends a chilling message to the rest for not colluding with the right party. The politicisation of institutions has become fairly complete and has bereft us with an effective brake, as democracy continues its steady decline to complete dysfunction. The effect of the intellectuals has been significantly neutralized since a vast number of them have aligned themselves to one or the other side of the AL-BNP political divide. When hoodlums, in the guise of students, beat up other students or faculty, it is an attack on the institution--it should not matter if those committing the crime belong to one party or the other or what the political persuasion of the victims are. Yet, too often, such activities have been tolerated for personal or political expediency. Too many have come to accept the notion that the ends justify the means.

Politicians and political parties have found it convenient to shelter criminals, as their muscle is considered indispensable in winning elections. Yet, there appears too little political price paid for such association. People seem to vote for the lesser of the two evils. Awami League, despite the widely publicised excesses, got more votes in '01 election than in '96; its landslide loss was a result of BNP successfully aligning itself with other parties. It will not be surprising if BNP wins, if it can hold on to its base and have the support of its coalition partners, regardless of its failure to improve law and order or engaging in political intimidation of rivals.

What is a way out ?
The biggest obstacle to reviving democracy and decriminalisation of politics appears to be a considerable dearth of hope. Too often in the past, people have seen their hopes dashed. As a result, cynicism is strong, with loyalty extending not much beyond near and dear ones. In the absence of hope, people do not perceive much stake in the political process. The main political parties know this and are unable to offer anything new. Hence, one observes an excessive reliance in conjuring up past icons in the hope of basking in reflected glory. This is the same reason why politicians have to depend on musclemen to project the strength of their parties, since there is so little spontaneous support.

Our current moribund state of politics can potentially be stirred up by the rise of a third political party; if indeed it can capture the imagination of millions of effectively disenfranchised people. But, certain things have to be just right. One has to hope that a leadership with charisma, good political instincts and fearless disposition will emerge that will instill hopes for a better future. Large sections of the hitherto politically inactive sections of the society must feel invigorated sufficiently to be involved, even at the risk of their own lives. Things will not be easy, as is clear from the violence directed at a nascent political movement. There can be no short cuts; no embracing of criminal elements for the sake of political expediency. The people involved have to work together, keeping in mind the broader goals, and not succumb to personal differences. Politics will have to be more about vision, goals and plans, and less about personal gains.

Sooner or later, I feel that this must happen. As society slides down in its current path, more and more people will be directly affected by violence, lawlessness and intimidation. The price of not doing anything will become comparable to the price of doing something about it. In particular the oft heard refrain "why should I get involved to get killed", is less of an inhibitor when you know people around you have been killed, even as they were simply minding their own lives. This is especially the case, when people see an alternative. In slum areas in the US that have been too often been victimised by drug lords and gangs, once in a while, ordinary people have lost fear and come out in droves to get rid of the criminal elements. Something similar must eventually happen in Bangladesh; people cannot be cowed down by fear indefinitely. We can only hope that we arrive at this stage sooner rather than later.

Saleh Ahmed Tanveer is Professor of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, USA