Moving beyond pain

Only unity can make us stronger.

Anyone residing in Bangladesh gradually evolves a high pain threshold. Since 1971, we have been witness to genocide, horrifying assassinations, coups, indiscipline, corruption, nepotism, lack of governance and abuse of fundamental principles of human rights. The dignity of reason is, more often than not, present through its absence.
What happened on February 25th and 26th in the BDR Headquarters crossed that existing waterline of pain and shame.
Aristotle defined a human being as a "rational animal." What the BDR Jawans did would embarrass animals. They displayed the obscene brute that lurks in all of us and then unleashed a reign of terror that left a bloody footprint on our national psyche.
This collective habit of some small groups of being ungrateful to benefactors was also evident on August 15, 1975. It was carried one step forward with the shameless indemnity granted to the perpetrators by the illegal successor government.
Over the succeeding decades, we have seen how indiscipline encouraged further coups and counter-coups, and the eventual murder of President Ziaur Rahman. The dynamics came a full circle.
Later on, the powers that be deliberately overlooked the violence that was unleashed against the opposition between 2001 and 2006. Members of the opposition were subjected to murder and attempted assassination, and yet, those responsible for providing security looked the other way. The judicial process was also thrown to the wind. Culpability was made redundant.
There is an old English proverb: "As you sow, so shall you reap." I have made the above remarks to show how the erosion of accountability eventually led to the indiscipline and violence that we saw in the BDR Headquarters
I fail to understand two aspects of this complex incident. Firstly, how could the relevant intelligence agencies have failed to obtain the information that could have prevented this tragedy? It brings forth serious questions about their professional abilities as well as queries about their commitment. Secondly, that such a distressing situation emerged within a security force created nearly two hundred years ago and known for its professionalism.
How could the authorities (within the BDR) concerned have failed to notice the growing grievances among the troops? It was apparent that everything was not "kosher," but it was strangely overlooked. Greed and brutality have dealt a terrible hand to military officers and their family members. In one foul swoop, we have lost more army officers than we did during the war of liberation in 1971.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's wise management of the situation enabled us to avert a greater disaster. The army also deserves a great deal of credit for displaying extreme restraint in exceptional and unbelievably trying circumstances. This was a mature way of bringing the catastrophe to a close.
This terrible incident has left the government with the unenviable task of not only pacification but also of restoring discipline in an institution responsible for the security of the state. In addition, there will be several other tasks, which will require patience, serious analysis, fact-finding and adjudication.
The armed forces and the civilian administration have set up inquiry committees. They will have to determine what led to the explosion and will also have to identify the "agent provocateurs." Some unnecessary controversy has been created over the ambit and denotation of the "general amnesty" declared by the prime minister. There has also been some criticism over the lack of use of force to quell the mutiny.
We must now forsake debate and work together. During this crucial juncture, there has to be bi-partisanship within and outside the Parliament. Recriminations must stop to achieve the desired closure. The Parliament should examine the report prepared by the appointed Committee to assist in the reorganization of this paramilitary force and redress of just grievances. Firmness needs to be displayed in punishing those guilty of transgressing established rules operative for this disciplined force.
The mutiny has raised once again the point pertaining to future civil-military relationship. This becomes more pertinent given the significant role played by the armed forces as well as the BDR in improving our state of governance.
We have today, again, a challenge in the sustaining of institutional democracy. We have to be careful because the stakes are very high. We have a crisis but we do not need to suffer from despair. It has definitely harmed our image in the international arena and within the potential of UN Peacekeeping. Nevertheless, we will have to be professional in our attitude and emotion must not get in the way.
We should also refrain from rumour mongering and in the politicisation of the on-going judicial process or in its review. Democracy requires tolerance and forbearance. That will be the only way to move beyond our pain.

Muhammad Zamir is a former Secretary and Ambassador and can be reached at [email protected].