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Currents and Crosscurrents

BNP’s Programme of Action : What Does it Signify?

by M M Rezaul Karim
***If the law and order situation is really restored, parliament is allowed to run like in other democratic countries and the television is geared to an impartial stance, this will prove to be in the ultimate interest of the people in general, of both the mqjor political parties and evidently of democracy itself.***
THE BNP high command announced programme for a country wide political movement beginning the 3rd March. People naturally wonder, some with interest, others with concern but all with curiosity, about the nature, duration and effectiveness of this movement. The nature has been defined and the duration specified, but effectiveness is an unknown quantity and obviously cannot be gauged in advance.
The programme consists primarily in holding meetings, staging demonstrations, taking out processions and creating an atmosphere aimed at stirring up public mind and generating opinion against what they term misdeeds of the ruling party. In real terms, the programme can be better described as an exercise in public education for mustering support rather than a political movement to topple the government. One may as well view It as a prelude to an eventual mass political movement. If situation does not improve in itself or a political compromise Is not effected in time.
People are allergic to a number of things. They are no fools and should not be taken for granted as such. This has relevance also to politicians efforts to drum up support for their cause. Many people become indifferent. if not bored, when they see politicians extolling virtues of some people and policies or deride failures and shortcomings of others. They are more often than not in a position to make judgment of their own which, by and large, are fair and acceptable.
Secondly, many people ig-
nore. even forgive, some journalists when tne latter, out of general courtesy to the ruling party of the day or for fear of losing patronage, overlook and fail to report some of the events and their rationale, thereby sacrificing Journalistic ethics of fairness and objectivity.
But all, with the exception of a directly involved miniscule population, are allergic to political movements of destructive nature. The spectre of a fearful and devastating political turmoil witnessed during the first half of the last year hangs directly over people's heads like Damocles sword. Life was forcibly crippled for many days in the capital and the society stood still at zero level. People do not want a repetition of that bitter and intolerable experience. if this could at al) be avoided, no matter which political party spearheads it. Unfortunately. people did not have to withstand such a situation, had our politicians been goaded by a purely democratic in contrast to a partisan spirit. This also applies to a possible situation emerging in the future.
As for the duration of the present movement, the date of termination was specified to be the end of this month, at least at the first stage. If the BNP grievances are not redressed by that date, a tougher programme will be worked out for the subsequent period, it was stated. Apparently, the demand may look like an ultimatum. If it is so. the ruling party may as well
take It for a challenge and. to satisfy their vanity, be tempted to match it, even to take a tougher line. They could legitimately cite this to be a case of natural reaction.
But. can the demand of the BNP. in fact, be construed as an ultimatum? Common sense seems to dictate the answer to be in the negative. To substantiate. the BNP supporters claim that their leadership publicly stated that it was their policy not to embark upon a programme of hartal, seize and vi-
olent street movements which cause disruption in the society, create difficulties in the lifestyle of the general people and seriously damage economy of the country. BNP's present pro gramme of action excludes all these disruptive and harmful elements for the society, and people. But. in the event they fail to get redress, they would be obliged to go over to the second stage of the movement. This does not augur well for anybody, the society or democracy.
Let us now examine the major demands of the BNP and the difficulties the ruling party faces in meeting them. First
and foremost, the BNP claims that the law and order situation has deteriorated further through a rise of terrorism since the general election. The Prime Minster had assigned this matter the highest priority both before and immediately after the election. Then there has been an ominous silence. She by then shifted her priority to other Issues
Meanwhile. Chhatra League forcibly occupied Halls and Hostels one after another. Simultaneously. other Awami
League-supported organisations started flexing their muscles against their rivals. Conflicts took place at various places and at various times. Those who are destined to win generally won. They became too bold with the notion, right or wrong, that the huge governmental apparatus would directly or indirectly support them and will come to their rescue in times of need.
The recent political atmosphere is agog with allegations to the effect that numerous killings, tortures and detention on false charges of BNP leaders and workers have taken place and are continuing. In response
to a public demand of the Prime Minister, a list of about 50 persons killed had been provided by the BNP to the President with the request to undertake an impartial investigation. Unfortunately. as the ruling party failed to make a similar request. the good offices of the holder of the highest office of the Republic could not be availed of. The opposition now faces yet another ordeal. Their peaceful meetings and processions are now being disrupted by throwing bombs, stabbing leaders and forcibly preventing people from joining meetings. The police does render service, buj mostly it is lip-service. The opposition wants a fair deal, impartial treatment and is restraining their aggrieved elements from starting a violent movement. The situation is fraught with grave danger and has all the potentials for deteriorating further and faster.
Another major issue taken up by the BNP is the conduct of affairs in the Parliament. The recently-concluded 4-polnt accord saved the efficacy of parliament. the symbol and workplace of democracy. Again, as ill luck would have it. both sides have started claiming that the other is violating its provisions. Tile BNP being in the minority has the obvious disadvantages. According to them, their members are denied right to speak and to speak adequately on legitimate issues in contrast to government bench members. Tne Speaker is not
impartial, they added, and the television coverage is still discriminatory. The government, however took a laudable decision to make the parliamentary committees truly representative. But refusal of the opposition demand to allocate membership of these committee proportionate to the relative strength of various political parties in the Parliament has left a good decision from being unimplemented. Needless to say this highly delicate and sensitive subject direly calls for deft and careful handling.
The above issues are. in fact and essence, no issues of substance. according to some political observers who are reputed to be endowed with far-sightedness If the law and order situation is really restored, parliament is allowed to run like in other democratic countries and the television is geared to an Impartial stance, this will prove to be in the ultimate interest of the people in general, of both the major political parties and evidently of democracy itself. This will take wind out of the sail of the BNP. which will then be hard-put to find burning Issues and denied a cause celebre to embark upon an effective political movement against the ruling party. The opposition will also benefit by way of being able to make a peaceful movement in the true democratic manner, with a view to Judging its strength not in the battle field but on the ballot field. The democracy will then get a new lease of life and the people In' general will regain their virtually lost confidence in politicians and their thankful or thankless job.