How secure are political leaders in South Asia?

South Asia is prone to political violence and it is yet another negative factor why international world focuses its eye in this area. Certainly, countries of the region have their achievements in different fields at varying scales but there should be no denying that it is mostly the negative news that dominates regional affairs in the outside world. The recent violence at the political rally of the main opposition party in the capital of Bangladesh leading to the death of 20 persons including a prominent woman politician and injuries to 200 have once again brought to the fore the question of security of the politicians as well as vulnerability of the political climate.

This kind of mayhem is not very new in Bangladesh and have taken place in different times of successive governments. But the extent of violence this time is simply horrifying considering the degree of deaths and injuries and no wonder that the news was a major item for international electronic and print media. Terrorism related to politics in this region is a matter of great concern for the outside world on two counts. While inter-state political tensions and hostilities evidently form a great source of anxiety, the internal situation in countries of this region definitely often spawns enormous concern that leaves many extremely perturbed.

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Admittedly, violence surrounding the political leaders -- regardless of being in power or in opposition -- and intra-party and even inter-party acrimony involving different forces stemming from rivalry for power and other types of ascendancy is a global menace that mostly engulfs the democratic countries where free expressions are permitted. The advanced democracies and developed nations are not immune to this unhealthy milieu howsoever deplorable it is. A popular president like John F Kennedy of world's most powerful country fell to the bullets of assassins while at the height of his success and civil rights leader Martin Luthar King (Jr) died from shots when he had virtually no state security. Ronald Reagan as president narrowly escaped death.

In most cases the real source of violence and terrorism remained unknown and planners and executors beyind reach. Whether Oswald was the actual killer of Kennedy and if so, on whose behalf he acted and why Jack Ruby killed Oswald in quick time -- all these pertinent questions have not been adequately answered till now. Instances of important figures being eliminated through violent methods are not uncommon in the West and not long ago the Swedish foreign minister, who was widely expected to become prime minister, succumbed to stab injures after being unexpectedly attacked at a shopping mall. However, it was not clear whether she was the target of political or personal vengeance. In a high security country like Israel, political leaders could not escape violent deaths and this may suggest that it is difficult to fully ensure the safety of key figures despite full-proof measures when quarters are hell bent on taking upon them for a variety of reasons.

In the undemocratic countries, the pattern of political violence is qualitatively different. But largely democratic South Asia exceeds others in respect of political violence and eliminating important figures through terrorism although this malaise differs from one country to another in the region. The trend probably began with the killing of the architect of Indian independence Mahatma Gandhi, and unfortunately all the major countries of the region have not been spared from such deadly instances. In India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh top leaders have been eliminated through violent methods both while being at the zenith of power or not in power in bizzare fashion.

In small but picturesque Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, only a couple of years ago the mainstream royal family including the King and Queen were wiped out in a palace massacre which still remains largely shrouded in mystery. In Pakistan, the president, who is also the chief of the army, escaped two assassination bids in quick succession rather miraculously despite maximum security when his security personnel and others were killed. The incoming prime minister also survived attempt on his life. All these point to the simple fact that the tendency to wipe out key figures is not on the wane but has increased in recent times in South Asia.

The use of modern and sophisticated devices in the methods is often a matter of discussions and analyses with the main question centering on the source of such weapons and materials. It may appear that such things are not too difficult for procurement because of the location of the South Asia and the conditions prevailing here and in the neighbourhood.

The past and present situation in Afghanistan, continuing unrest in Kashmir, insurgency in northeastern Indian region, presence of different militant religious groups in both India and Pakistan, civil war involving the Tamils in Sri Lanka, Maoist insurgency in Nepal, existence of militant groups in Myanmar and hostile outfits along its border with Thailand and last but not the least sharp confrontational politics in Bangladesh and the destructive ways to take on the opponents have made the region internally volatile in varying degrees. This condition has made weapons easily available which are otherwise difficult for procurement. Hence, large catche of arms is not uncommon here but in most cases the perpetrators manage safe passage.

Politically divergent groups, interested quarters seeking to gain various form of domination, settling scores of enmity, factors relating to international and regional interests as well as some other issues can be attributed to this dangerous situation in the South Asian region. Here, leaders in power resort to maximum security compared to many other countries and those not in power also have to depend on bullet-proof vehicles and elite forces for safety. Arguably, this is a requirement but here the measures are much more than normal perameter..

Interestingly, the situation in the neighbouring southeast Asian region is not that bad. Going by the records, much lesser number of political killings or violence take place in these countries. Indonesia, the largest country in that region saw an abortive coup in 1965 resulting in the death of many people including second-front leaders but president Sukarno was safe. However, the developments led to his disappearance from power and much later he died a normal death. In the Philippines, opposition leader Acquino was killed on his return to home from abroad during the autocratic period of Marcos and his wife Corazon later swept to power riding the crest of popularity caused by husband's assassination. There can be some other instances including in Republic of Korea but certainly much less than in south Asia.

It seems that there is hardly any chance of any let-up to this hazardous situation in this region which not only brings the politicians into the realm of vulnerability but is also susceptible for others like the mediamen. Sadly, the vicious cycle continues much to the dismay and horror of the people. It severely affects the political, social and economic fabric of a nation and in the process seeks to reverse whatever progress has been made not only in the developmental arena but in the quest towards political and overall advancement. Tolerance and sophistication must be brought into play to improve the situation. Then once again this appears an unlikely expectation. Yet, orchestrated condemnation and exhortion for tolerance must follow in a determined manner from all, cutting across differences and divides. The enormity of latest Bangladesh violence has stunned all. Should the key players involved in the broad spectrum of politics fail to accomplish something -- not much tangible is expected taking into account the hard realities albeit -- and the culprits are not brought to book -- the overall condition would remain a helpless fait accompli!

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury is a senior journalist.