Our losing fight against memory
We must resist political monsters, worshipping individuals and reclaim the courage to change
I remember watching Abu Sayieed launch himself against the bullets, and it inspired courage in me, even though I was sitting thousands of miles away, watching the video. I am sure that was the point where bravery and courage became as viral as fear.
But again that courage seems to be in short supply. Fear is the next best motivator. And in real life, fear usually wins.
Look at the rest of the world — it’s quite clear. But that moment propelled our movement toward ousting the government. That courage, however, is waning, and this is when we need to remember.
We need to remember as a country and as a people — the courage, the people’s demands, and their vision for this nation. They didn’t fight for a country that would slowly spiral into anarchy.
BNP has already consolidated power at different levels, so it’s safe to say they are acting like a shadow government in various areas, especially in the informal sectors such as markets, hats, and bazaars. They are marching all over the city, and rampant extortion seems to be the name of the game.
One must not forget that Bangladesh was once ranked as the most corrupt country, not just in the top ten but at the very top, during BNP’s rule. It was a time of rampant corruption and systemic failure.
They initiated the culture of enforced disappearances and so-called “encounters” by creating RAB and granting immunity to the police. They were also responsible for the rise of terrorist organizations like JMB, which bombed, killed, torched villages, and extorted people.
Beyond this, BNP, and to some extent Shibir, actively participated in hartals and strikes, which killed people and made life unbearable and caused the economy to spiral downward. People must recognize that by ousting one monster, we cannot allow a more enormous monster to take its place. This is not an exaggeration at all.
So, please, people — just because you got rid of one evil, don’t fall for the charms of another. This government has an opportunity to dismantle this two party system, but it will be challenging because BNP, like AL, has deeply entrenched goons and cadres at the grassroots level.
But we forget. People grow up, another generation comes, and they forget what life used to be. AL was extremely popular when they were elected to power because people were tired of BNP and military rule. So, please, don’t crown BNP or the army, hoping they are angels from heaven. Hold grudges; remember what they did so you don’t fall into the same trap.
It’s disgusting to see the current government appeasing Khaleda and whitewashing her rule as if she were innocent. This is a betrayal of the July Movement — but more than that, it’s a betrayal of the truth.
We need new leaders. These ghosts of our colonial past — be they AL, Shibir, or BNP — won’t work. We believe in the ideals of the students, who envision a country where everyone is treated equally. If you cannot ensure that, then step aside and let those who can lead us to a better future.
