Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent tactics have raised critical questions about their commitment to democratic values. While claiming to champion democracy, their actions, involving arson attacks on buses, train derailment, and violence against law enforcement, starkly contrast with the principles they profess to uphold.
The enforcement of blockades by the opposition has severely impacted the country’s economy, costing billions daily. Surprisingly, these violent schemes are their chosen method to supposedly propel the country towards a brighter future. Alarmingly, this approach has garnered support from certain foreign advocates who appear to defend these acts of terror, overlooking the severe economic and social repercussions.
As Bangladesh grapples with this resurgence of political violence, public safety has been overshadowed by a spate of arson attacks, killings of policemen, and sabotage of railway lines. These actions, aimed to derail the upcoming national election, highlight a concerning trend as BNP and Jamaat join hands.
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In the lead-up to the election, a section of Western media has focused more on the legitimacy of a caretaker government than on the brutality unleashed on the streets since October 28. Their coverage overlooks the poor turnout at blockade rallies and the public’s rejection of BNP-Jamaat’s calls for civil disobedience. Additionally, the leadership crisis within the BNP, particularly the directives of acting chief Tarique Rahman, suggests a preference for street violence over democratic processes.
The opposition’s reliance on foreign advocacy and their actions on October 28 in Dhaka reflect a flawed strategy. BNP’s attempt to present a false advisor to the US President at their party headquarters backfired, revealing a lack of credibility and strategic missteps. These events have not only damaged BNP's political standing but have also placed their foreign supporters in an awkward position.
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Despite their decision to boycott the election and organize hartals and blockades, these tactics have largely failed to disrupt the daily lives of citizens. However, the increase in arson attacks has led to immense public suffering, highlighting the party’s disregard for human life and welfare.
On December 10, participating in an event organized to commemorate Human Rights Day, Ruma Akter – widow of police constable Md. Amirul Islam (33), who was killed in a confrontation between law enforcement and BNP leaders and supporters during the opposition party’s grand rally in Dhaka on October 28 – raised a question: “He had left home to perform his professional duties. He was never involved with any political party or activities. Why did BNP-Jamaat men brutally kill him then?”
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“He (Amirul) had a beautiful family and a daughter. That girl still waits for her father to return. ‘Let’s go and bring abbu home,’ my daughter says,” she added.
With the dwindling size of their rallies and their choice to abstain from democratic processes, BNP faces significant challenges to its long-term viability. In a democracy, elections are the primary means of acquiring political authority. The citizens of Bangladesh seem averse to the opposition's harmful political practices, suggesting a need for the BNP leadership to reassess their approach to maintain relevance in the political landscape.
The writer is a professor of the Department of Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi. Views expressed are the writer's own.