Comments

Re: Professor Ahmed H Huque's article, published in The Daily Star.
Prof Huque was right on the mark about Bangladeshi expatriates, in writing about their predilection to practising the domestic politics of their country of origin. In fact, many Bangladeshis are so avidly addicted to it that, it may be called idee fixe. It is true that the practitioners of this craft have carried it to the nth degree. As with the 'born again' Christians, after residing in countries, where many of them have opportunities to see and learn better, Bangladeshis, it seems, use this unique advantage to renew their faith in Bangladeshi politics.
About the scuffle that was reported on the occasion of Begum Zia's visit to the US, the mater went so far that The New York Times, failing to interview her, reported that the 'minions,' would not let their adversaries approach her. While holding a dinner reception in her honour, a gentleman kept on haranguing the guests to sit down, as according to him it was a "Formal Dinner", betraying his ignorance about this kind of occasion.
These devotees of Bangladeshi leaders do not shy away from physical confrontation, as Mr. Haque has observed, bringing shame to Bangladesh and her people, both at home and abroad. I myself was ambushed by these apparatchiks once. They are so absorbed in their political activities that it seems the only thing necessary to get them going is to mention anything that has to do with politics in Bangladesh. For example, in 1984 when 50% of Bangladesh was inundated by floodwaters, a group of Bangladeshis lobbied Bangladesh Aid Consortium meeting in Paris, not to send aid. After the devastating cyclone in 1985, another group busied itself by telling the media, that the disaster was a mere opportunity for the Bangladesh government to exploit the generosity of US people.
By the way, it seems that those politicians and other practitioners of various crafts hailing from Bangladesh probably are as adept in mesmerizing Bangladeshis as they are at home. A Bangladeshi diva, in an assemblage arranged to hear her sing, took advantage of a captive audience and began sermonising on politics. A prominent Bangladeshi citizen, a political leader of course, in a gathering, for his reception, most possibly thinking that he was at Lal Dighi or Paltan Maidan, gave such a "fiery" speech that the listeners went into frenzy, clapping to their heart's content.
The few publications that might be construed as serving or expressing the views of the Bangladeshis abroad, are more apt to espouse the viewpoints of their favorite Bangladeshi political entity, with an added agenda to increase the number of readers, the ultimate means of enhancing profits.
It is so painful to see the Bangladeshis abroad, instead of letting due process of law take its course, are resorting to methods, many of which are intended to thwart the administration of justice.
About the practice or promotion of Bangladeshi language and culture abroad, the very method, used for the purpose, is reflection of our lack of knowledge of English, our unfamiliarity with the customs of our adopted land, our reluctance to assimilate and, above all, our futile attempts at covering these deficiencies up.