Monga politics!
A Mahasen Dhaka
The report on the rumbling inside BNP (DS Nov 21) is a timely indication of the stress the politicians are passing through for more than a decade since the two major political parties usurped the stage. It is time the millions of voters discouraged bipartite politics in Bangladesh. The move has already started with the smaller parties making enough noises, seeking a change. Earlier the main opposition party had indicated dissatisfaction with the dominance of Hawa Bhaban.There is a reason for this type of stagnation in the political culture in this under-developed nation. Autocratic rule lasted for 15 years; which in the later years were cosmetically hidden with whitewashes of democratic saplings. Now two additional factors are playing a dominant role in politicking: institutionalised corrupt practices and terrorism in politics. The senior leaders have become rather complacent, selling names to the masses. What are they getting in return? Not loyalty. It is time to stand up and initiate self-generated self-delivery system. The opposition need not be jubilant on the state of affairs inside the ruling party camps. The senior leaders of political parties have become victims of their lack of foresight and judgement. The poor and marginalised electorate have no staying power in the subversive election campaigns deeply rooted in the urban areas, with black money pumping the circulation. The life blood of a young nation does not lie in elaborate celebrations of numerous anniversaries. Charisma is being misused today by the camouflaged self-seekers. The world is changing fast, but politics in Dhaka still cannot rid of the old, traditional style and approach. There is too much dependence on oratory. The political capitals are facing challenges (Bush, Blair, Dhaka, OIC, EU, Iraq, Moscow, Tokyo). Those who are out of tune may lose their daana-rozi. An old wisdom comes to mind: Earn your bread with the sweat of the brow. It is different from brow-beating.
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