Electioneering facts or fiction

For example, a recent article by Dr. Dewan in The Daily Star reported survey results on BNP wrong doings. Dr. Dewan's opinion and conclusions did not bother me. Most people would even agree that BNP unleashed a rule of autocracy wearing the cloak of democracy during the five years of their rule.

To come to this conclusion, a scholar does not have to take refuge in rigorous social science methodology. He used Likert's scale to measure some undefined social constructs, and reported averages of the responses on a ten-point scale. Social science methodology outlines pre-conditions for using Likert's scales. I don't want to labor on the method. I would simply comment that Dr. Dewan ignored the principles of social science research, but still reported the results in a 10-point scale and conveniently termed it as unscientific.

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All opinion surveys report the questions asked, number of respondents and their locations (like urban, rural etc), and the percentage of error with the achieved results. Nothing of this sort has been included in the survey. Needless to say that these types of political polls ask dichotomous questions with answers as "yes" or "no." Therefore, I do not know what anyone would get from the reported results, except anti-BNP amusement.

These types of political exigencies have become the energy converter of our nation, relegating the need for facts to the periphery. Not only have many scholars and pundits lost their eagerness to report and use facts. This phenomenon has also vitiated the social, economic, and political environments.

In this uncontrolled race of mud slinging, and in the war of words, we hardly acknowledge any good deeds done by the party or people we disapprove of. In the past, all parties indulged in many unscrupulous activities but, at the same time, they also did some good things. But one would hardly hear from them any word of appreciation for their opponents.

In another arena, some socially rejected politicians, by seeking accommodation with any party for political advantages, have done so much damage to the integrity of the profession that they have turned it into political prostitution. The political doors must be slammed shut on the faces of those who acted against democracy and the people of Bangladesh. Instead, we have reinstated, or are trying to reinstate, them as if they have no history.

In the same vein, it is not uncommon to hear complaints that rajakars and people with no connection with the liberation war are masquerading as freedom fighters, and are enjoying the fruits of the sacrifice of the men and women who lost their lives. Many real freedom fighters are now finding it hard to make both ends meet by selling tea in a small corner stall. We hardly want to know about them because we are afraid of facts.

One cannot say anything that goes against any of the parties with much muscle power lest he or she is branded as unpatriotic, anti-development, anti-Islam, or even risk his/her life or property. Then who will talk about the pain and suffering of the millions who are not banner-carrying supporters of any of the parties?

The politicians are not guided by any political norms, the intellectuals refuse to provide intellectual energy when it is most needed, the attorneys allow rampaging of the highest seat of law of the country, the students love to be on the streets rather than in the class- rooms, professors hardly get time to update their lecture notes, and the civil servants have become the servants of the political bosses. One may go on. The situation is neither amusing nor amazing. Only a sad commentary of the painful reality we are in.

Is the situation that bad? Not at all. I am an optimist. There is always a brighter side. I think the country is holding together and is moving forward primarily because of two professions: a) the news media and b) the business people. I have seen throughout this difficult period, and in many adverse situations, that the businesspersons of the country did not give up even in the midst of chaos and catastrophe.

I also have seen young men and women in the news media, (both in print and television) showing tremendous dedication by holding a strong stance for freedom of the press. This is the hope for the country as long as they hold on to what they believe in. I suggest that all other professions learn a lesson from them, put their acts together, and get busy doing what they are supposed to do.

I once said in a column, for a different daily, that everyone in all professions has active responsibilities to achieve a free and fair election. In this election, the nation needs independent and honest candidates in large numbers, challenging the old style and corrupt politicians, and striking a hard blow against their degenerating politics.

If 20 percent of the 140 million people act as the eyes and ears of the election, it will be 28 million people watching. We have the power of the people to use. The importance of this election for the nation is huge. Without waiting for 300 or so foreign observers to come and watch us, let us get organized and watch our own election.

In the US, there are Political Action Committees (PAC) representing different professions and businesses. There are political action committees for black Americans, different industries, women rights, religion based committees etc. PAC contributes to the candidates' election campaign, financially and otherwise. When the candidates are elected, they represent the causes of the supporters. In our country, there is no PAC. That is why the causes of business and industry and other significant constituencies are not appropriately represented in the parliament and in the political scene.

There is a way out. We can kill two birds with one stone. To ensure mass support for the election, the business federations should nominate their own candidates for selected seats in strategic locations like, Chittagong, Khulna, and EPZ areas. In this way, they keep the balance of power in these areas, before they face uncalled for hartals, and also have representations in the parliament.

The NGOs should nominate their own candidates to protect their interests in locations where they have intensive activities, and so should the doctors, engineers, and women's groups. Others may consider these alternatives to let people elect honest and qualified candidates, bypassing the undemocratic nomination processes of the political parties.

Dr Yunus ought to take the lead and not rest on his laurels. Words of wisdom and good wishes are necessary, but not sufficient, to help the nation overcome the crisis. A group of foreign observers are coming to monitor the election. They should also be carefully monitored. Like everything else, we should remember that no help comes free. There are open or hidden agendas in everything people want to do for others.

The amount of interest the US and British ambassadors are showing must worry any independent minded citizen. If we cannot take control and organize ourselves, the foreign powers will be our virtual bosses, dictating the terms of conducting the business of the nation. Caveat emptor for concerned citizens.

The author is Professor, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts.