Dangerous bomb culture

In line with patriotic thinking, so far concern was centered mainly over 'how to develop our country' or specifically 'how to get our people out of poverty'. With increased openness throughout the 90s, globalization offered many opportunities although not without challenges. Problems like corruption were there since long, which came to the forefront of development agenda after consecutive shameful reports of Transparency International on the issue. Likewise, lack of social security across the country has been another point of worries. Whatever detrimental to the developmental goals, these are local issues in nature and, hence, manageable internally. However, recently proliferated 'dangerous bomb culture' in the country has surpassed all the existing worries, which cannot go without shaking the sense of any patriotic mind. Therefore, the patriotic thinking is being reoriented to 'how to save the nation' from plausible collapse over 'how to develop it'.

Whoever is behind the scene or whatever the purpose attached to it, the sure consequence is that it will fragment out common belief, paralyse our economy and destroy the society. The poor country hardy can bear the cost of such consequences. And, as experience shows, it will be almost impossible to get back to normalcy if it goes any further.

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People seem to have been less aware of the long-term consequences of the 'dangerous game'. This is not only dangerous for our innocent people who are frequently being victims of the criminal acts, but more importantly, international community is getting more and more skeptical over such sensitive issues. Every explosion in the country is conveying wrong perception regarding the socio-cultural and religious beliefs of the peace-loving people of Bangladesh.

Such unfortunate events will have far reaching consequences spreading over local, regional and even global arena. Locally it will destroy the social system. Outlawed activities can never be good for a society. This will definitely create social conflict.

Social security system will break down. Society in general, and the young generation in particular, will be fragmented over the contentious issue. Massive unemployment with extreme poverty will make frustrated youths easy prey to miscreants. Organised crimes will find their way to be deeply rooted in the society and political powers will invariably be used for vested interests. Common people in the society will be the ultimate sufferers. Hopelessness will lead us to nowhere.

Regionally the issue will create wide mistrust among regional partners/neighbours. On going regional cooperation arrangements in SAARC will be thwarted (e.g. recent postponement of the 13th SAARC Summit). Security issues will spring up in the regional agenda. Gray propaganda will gain new impetus to mislead international community further. Globally the activities will have even the worst consequences. Open policy of Bangladesh has made her deeply integrated to global economy. Evidence is abundant all around us on what might be the consequence on our economy and international relations, if we fail to address the issue now.

More frustrating is that the leaders still seem to be playing the dangerous game of blaming, naming and shaming, without considering its deep-rooted impact and long run consequences. The nation seems to be divided, being fragmented along the line of political ideologies. But this should not be an issue to be divided upon. Social security is a public good and a national issue. Therefore, we must face it collectively now or get ready to face its harsh reality afterward. Given the widespread consequences and dangers attached to the issue, people of the country have legitimate expectation and right that government will act properly against it and, opposition parties as well do their duties in addressing the crisis. Therefore, leaders in power and in the opposition alike must be held accountable to the people of Bangladesh for not having played their proper role at appropriate time to save the country in such a period of national crisis. People in general are waiting to see political courage and commitment in addressing the issue. This is going to be an acid test for the leaders in power and in the opposition camp.

Md. Golam Robbani is Associate Professor, Department of Finance and Banking, University of Rajshahi.