OP-ED: A robust opposition for constructive politics

Anis Alamgir [Published in Dhaka Tribune on December 26th, 2020] The BNP has failed to be a strong opposition party, leaving a void in politics In Bangladesh, the anti-government people often complain that the country lacks democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech. But no one is talking about having a strong opposition party alongside the government as part of democracy. I think the main problem in Bangladesh is not the so-called lack of democracy, but the absence of a strong pro-independence opposition party. Bangladesh lacks a strong opposition party that is inspired by the Liberation War ideology, practises democracy within its own party, and where leaders are elected through the electoral process.

It lacks an opposition party where its leaders are free from corruption and think only of the people’s welfare, not their own interests. Such an opposition can force the government to be free from corruption, enrich democracy, and help the ruling party establish the rule of law. The question may arise: What is an anti-Liberation force? An easy answer is: Those who deny Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s contribution to independence are anti-independence. Is the BNP a pro-independence party, and do they give due respect to Bangabandhu as Bangladesh’s architect? As usual, the BNP leaders will say -- yes. But history and the activities of BNP leaders say otherwise. Attempts have been made to erase the War of Liberation and Bangabandhu from Bangladesh’s history and politics after 1975. But now, Bangabandhu and the War of Independence have become 100 times more relevant in Bangladesh’s politics. It is now more difficult to do politics in this country without clarifying the position on the Liberation War. By denying this, no party will be able to come to power in the future. The BNP’s freedom fighters wanted a 10% nomination in the last parliamentary elections, but their demands were ignored. A statement on how neglected they are in the party has recently come up in the press conference of (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram. At his residence on December 19, he complained to reporters that there was a faction active in the BNP to corner the freedom fighters. The reason behind Hafiz’s press conference was to refute the allegations brought against him by the party. It has been alleged that BNP was confused by the sudden demonstration of some BNP leaders and activists in the capital on December 14 without the party’s approval, and BNP accused its two vice presidents -- Hafiz Uddin and journalist leader Shaukat Mahmood -- as instigators behind it. That is why the joint secretary-general of the central committee, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, has given them show-cause notices. But both vice presidents considered it a breach of discipline as the joint secretary-general cannot issue a show-cause notice to the vice president as per party protocol. It is believed that BNP has violated the conditions under which the government allowed Khaleda Zia to stay at her home. For that reason, they have been given show-cause notices without following the rules and regulations. Again, some people in the party say that Tarique Rahman does not want any anti-government movement at the moment. The funny thing is that the BNP has set a precedent as a new lesson in politics -- to consider protesting against the government as a crime. Where the existence of the BNP is in danger, it is the duty of the movement-struggle party. It is ridiculous to give show-cause notices to party leaders or workers for performing that duty. The BNP’s well-wishers outside the party are sincerely thanking Major Hafiz and Shaukat Mahmood for breaking the deadlock. The general public is also praising the BNP workers for not losing their morale to protest, even after suffering hundreds of hardships in the last 12 years. A lavish fugitive life outside the country and escaping punishment for murder is called politics of the opposition? Giving party nominations in exchange for huge amounts of money before the elections and making offensive remarks on Bangabandhu and Sheikh Hasina through online appearances is not politics at all. It is not that there is no political activity in the country. Occasionally, there are some opposition political activities on a limited scale. The election is going on, but on election day, it is seen that the opposition candidates do not try to enter the polling station for fear of the government party activists in front of the centre. No opposition leader or activist is around the polling station. There is also a possibility of humiliation if any identified opposition activist is seen. For the interest of the country and the sake of democracy, like a strong government, a strong alliance of opposition parties is needed, which can facilitate constructive politics. The ruling party’s politics does not mean that some ministers get up in the morning and insult the BNP and the opposition. And being in the opposition is not just criticizing the government unnecessarily. As it is happening in politics now, encouraging words are gradually disappearing from politics. Politics has lost its quality and has now become a platform for exchanging bad words. The people are realizing this void in politics. That is why people are no longer interested in dedicating their life to politics, and are taking to the street. At this time, to sustain democracy in Bangladesh, a strong pro-Liberation War-focused opposition is needed. Anis Alamgir is a journalist and columnist, famed for live reports from Iraq and Afghan war fields. He can be reached at anisalamgir@gmail.com.