Reality has finally dawned

On the one hand, militant outfits have been on the rampage, blasting bombs, throwing grenades and maiming people. On the other, we have seen an outpouring of cartoons, depicting the inabilities of the law and order agencies in bringing the criminals to justice. This trend has reflected the inherent talent amongst us to discover the funny side even in the worst scenario. It has also been a psychological verdict of sorts about the credibility of our government.

Nevertheless, the responsible agencies appear to have finally woken up to the threats being posed to public security by militant groups who are more interested in pursuing their exclusive agenda. The last few days have seen a flurry of arrests and people being taken to remand. Cases are also being instituted against individuals on the charge that they are linked with activities prejudicial to the security of citizens.

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Contrary to earlier denials by senior representatives of the Administration, it is now being established that we have a problem. This cognisance has been important. Appropriate medication can only follow if the patient agrees that he is sick.

We have now seen the first step. We also hope that the Administration will understand that criticism in the media about non-performance is not a 'conspiracy' by people who 'lack in patriotism'. Instead, it is an expression of righteous concern as a citizen. It needs to be viewed from that perspective.

We must not forget the response of the State Minister for Home Affairs in the Parliament, in July last year, to a question by a Member of Parliament from the Awami League. It was indicated then that 9,737 killings had taken place in the country from October 1, 2001 to June 15, 2004. It is true that very few of these deaths were due to militant causes. The figure however reflected not only deterioration in the standards of maintenance of law and order but also the widespread presence of small arms within the country.

This dangerous twist has been referred to by many columnists including myself ('Those other wars' 17 May, 2003, The Daily Star) in earlier op-ed pieces. In our own way, we have tried to draw attention of the Administration to the latent dangers.

Use of explosives to create chaos is not something new in Bangladesh. This has happened since the beginning of the seventies. The dimension has however changed with the introduction of small arms and light weapons. This has made it more deadly. Use of hand grenades is now wrecking havoc on a massive scale.

Public concern about the illegal proliferation of such lethal arms has heightened with reports of smuggling of military arms and ammunition and their seizures in Bogra, Kuril (Dhaka) and recently in the Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Factory. The seriousness of the situation was underlined by the report published in Jane's Intelligence Review indicating that the Chittagong arms shipment, in all probability was shipped from Hong Kong and that more weapons were added on to the consignment in Singapore. Apparently, the shipment might have been for different insurgent movements in North-east India.

There have also been repeated attacks on cinema halls, cultural venues and political meetings. In most cases, progressive elements and the political meetings convened by Opposition parties (particularly, the Awami League) have been attacked. This has happened in Dhaka on 21 August, 2004 and most recently in Habiganj on 27 January this year. There have also been attacks in Gazipur and in Sylhet. These incidents have led to the deaths of important political leaders and innocent bystanders. It has also resulted in serious injuries to hundreds of people.

The use of small and light arms has emerged as the single biggest threat to our economic and socio-political stability. It is affecting our national security. A news report in the 'Independent' (published from Dhaka) of 28 February, 2005 has also indicated that trained militants are active in Bangladesh, particularly in the districts of Sirajganj, Gaibandha, Naogaon, Joypurhat, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Rangpur, Kurigram, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Bogra, Natore, Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Sherpur, Tangail and Manikganj.

Unfortunately, till now, anyone daring to draw attention to this malaise has been immediately branded as someone out to destroy the image of the country.

It is most fortunate for us that recognition is slowly being given now to a situation fraught with danger. We might not have liked it, but critical articles have been most helpful in this regard. They need to be viewed in the spirit of constructive criticism and being a part of the democratic process so essential for strengthening democratic institutions. We also need to appreciate the efforts made by senior lawyers to determine the causes of such attacks, particularly the grisly August 21, 2004 incident.

We are in dire straits. We are however not alone. This predicament is valid for other countries in the region as well. There is a growing symbiotic relationship between small arms and politics and they have become 'the arbiter of differences and settling of political scores' (S Anam Khan 'Small arms, big problems', The Daily Star). The scenario has deteriorated even more because of the easy access to such weapons by groups who enjoy political patronage. This is turn, has created another problem. Armed militants have gradually acquired a qualitative edge in the weapons at their disposal as opposed to those available for law and order agencies.

A new factor has now been added to the equation. Militants have now started targeting NGOs. Several explosive devices have caused injury to innocent people associated with such NGOs. Arrested militants have since defended such action through absurd and perverted claims that NGOs are 'patronising anti-Islamic activities and taking people away from religion'. One arrested JMB militant is reported to have informed investigators that NGOs are the modern version of the notorious East India Company. Their anger probably stems from the fact that NGOs are empowering women in the rural areas and their traditional male bastion is consequently under threat. The inverse logic being practised is indeed very sad.

Bangladesh is not a terrorist state. We neither have Talibans nor extremism in general. We do however have pockets of militant Islam and some conservative rightwing elements intolerant of other's views. This is not unique. One could state similar things about most developed countries, including the USA.

There is however a tangible difference the presence of law and order and the judicial process in other countries. A grenade attack on the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and a High Commissioner could have been investigated more intensively and the culprits identified. This has not happened. Inquiry has led to a charge-sheet with regard to the late Mr. Kibria, but the scope and ramifications are not transparent.

I am however an optimist. I believe in always calling the glass half-full. It is this aspect that has led me to welcome recent steps by the government.

After months of procrastination, the government has banned the activities of two militant Islamic organisations the JMJB (Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh) and the JMB (Jamaatul Mujaheedin). They have arrested some of their leaders and indicted them for a series of bomb attacks and murders. The Government has claimed that it acted 'out of its own sense of responsibility' and not due to any external pressure. That is good. Better late than never. At least journalists are not being lambasted for creating figments from their imagination.

The question that we are faced with now is the presence and continuity of political will. There have been reports that the ruling Alliance, particularly the BNP, have been reluctant till now to come down strongly against such Islamic militancy because of the delicate nature of the electoral balance that might affect the next general elections. There has been a sort of 'tunnel vision' where ruling party strategists have underlined the need for support from fundamentalist forces if victory is to be assured. This weakness in electoral policy has helped extremist groups.

Probably, this is also the reason why many extremists have been released despite having been 'nabbed with firearms, bombs and explosives, objectionable books and documents' (page 2, New Age, 27 February, 2005). I do not know if this assertion is completely true. We have also read that some cases did not receive the importance they deserved, because of the 'acquiescence of some law-enforcers'. It has been also reported that some material evidence in custody has been misplaced.

If this is correct, even in one case, then that is most disappointing.

We cannot allow our external image to be tarnished by extremism, intolerance and violence. A large majority of our population might be Muslims but we are essentially secular in nature. Bangladeshis love music, poetry and cultural festivals. We might be economically challenged but we are rich in terms of civilisation.

We cannot barter away stability and prosperity because a few feel that the only way to implement their agenda is through terrorism and fear.

The Government's determination to tackle militant terrorism is before the people's court. The perpetrators of these violent acts must be identified and they need to be brought to justice. Those guilty of crimes and providing leadership in such banned organisations, must also, not be allowed to escape from the country.

The Administration must not be dissuaded from containing this militancy just because some of its partners are upset and are describing these steps as an effort to create distance between the government and the pro-Islamists. The responsible authorities must stand up and be counted. They must not yield to pressure.

It is in their hands to prove that Islam is not only a religion of peace but that it also abhors uncalled for extremist attacks resulting in harm to innocent civilians. We must show that we are able to maintain a peaceful environment within the country.

This assumes particular importance given the fact that we are despatching our brave soldiers abroad to maintain international peace and security. If our government is to be an example abroad, we need to be one at home as well.

Muhammad Zamir is a former Secretary and Ambassador -- any response to mzamir@dhaka.net