Darkness in Dhaka

Date:

spot_imgspot_img

Democratic politics and the rule of law have virtually collapsed in Bangladesh. A group like Hefazat-e-Islami burnt Dhaka and other parts of the country with impunity. The government failed miserably to protect common people, traders and even journalists. The Hefazat is not the only menace. Violence is rampant in the country. Street fights between the rival political parties recall the days before the last election. Shut-downs have brought business to a halt. A building collapse killed over 650garment industry workers. But that has not led to a lull in the violence in the streets of Dhaka. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has condoned Hefazat violence. All this casts a shadow over democratic governance in the country. What passes understanding is that a recognized political party which is a major contender for power can support the Hefazat’s absurd demands. It wants an official ban on the free movement of women and an orthodox Islamic code for the government and society. Shades of the Taliban!

Bangladesh has witnessed a number of coups and assassinations. But the present crisis is unprecedented. The Hefazat wants to set the clock back in the country’s modernization and is targeting the ruling Awami League. The trial of the war criminals of 1971 has inflamed passions in some sections. Many leaders of the communal Jammat-e-Islami have been arrested and that has aroused Islamist indignation. The only way to handle the extremist Hefazat is for the government and other democratic forces to unite and throw away its demands. The Hefazat is not merely an enemy of democracy but also of civilized values in Bangladesh.

Previous article
Next article
spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

Mbappe scores 2 as Real Madrid win on opening night of CL

Madrid, Sep 17: Kylian Mbappé converted two penalties and 10-man Real Madrid came back to beat visiting Marseille...

Yamal to miss Barca’s CL opener

Barcelona, Sep 17: Lamine Yamal will not play in Barcelona’s Champions League opener at Newcastle on Thursday because...

Aston Villa out of League Cup to continue poor start to season

London, Sep 17: Aston Villa’s miserable start to the season continued with elimination from the English League Cup. Unai...

Mastantuono becomes youngest starter for Real Madrid in CL

Madrid, Sep 17: Teenage forward Franco Mastantuono became the youngest player to start for Real Madrid in the...