Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Year : 2, Issue: 5

Shah J. Choudhury

As a journalist, I don’t consider myself too bad at what I do. I think I can somewhat predict what might happen in Bangladesh in the future. And it’s not just me who has this sense—anyone can have a similar intuition. I believe that you, too, might hold such a view. This is what democracy is all about.
However, what democracy has done is turn the straightforward path of politics into a winding road. Even if you refuse to accept this, I believe it’s true.
A few days ago, from a distance, we could hear the cries of the powerful. Those cries did not stay confined within their inner circles. They were forced to flee, caught between belief and disbelief within their own ranks. They couldn’t even figure out who was loyal and who was not. In the dark, they groped blindly. Their propaganda, exuberance, and loud tactics failed miserably. Even from afar, we could see their body language betraying their despair and helplessness etched on their faces. Yet, they never once glanced at a mirror! The chains of power had made them believe they were invincible! Regrettably, this is perhaps the cruel irony of fate!
It was said that there was no alternative to them for keeping the country afloat. I don’t know if the ordinary people believed this. How would I know? Now, it seems, every citizen is against the former rulers—just as previously, everyone seemed to be on their side! Perhaps that’s why they failed to see what was really happening behind the curtain. Perhaps that’s why their faith and trust never wavered.
It’s no secret that a shift has taken place in the current global system. The 9/11 attacks in New York made this shift necessary. This change has effectively ended the old order. Now, years after 9/11, we see that those who denied the change have lost their way—take Pakistan, for instance. Even those who pretended to embrace the change have also found themselves adrift—like Bangladesh.
As a result, the notion that “there is no alternative to them for the survival of the country” has proven fragile.
We know that the biggest beneficiaries of the “War on Terror” after 9/11 have been countries like India, China, and others. Yet, look at this irony—the enmity between China and India is widely known! At the same time, every day, we see news in global media about how India is one of America’s closest allies! In reality, both countries want to assert dominance over South Asia. From this desire stems the frustration many neighboring countries feel toward India. On the other hand, India harbors its own grudges against China’s influence. And it is from this competitive thinking that Sheikh Hasina’s Bangladesh once lit up. We all witnessed the consequences.
Now, there’s a simmering phase of mutual resentment within India-Bangladesh relations. Within this lies a mutual benefit shared between the two nations. India, being the larger country, seeks opportunities in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, the smaller nation, wants equal give-and-take.
During this time in Bangladesh, those in power used to tell us tales of mysterious militant attacks. Now, they are no longer in charge. Yet, those who are in charge, while not officially the government, are carrying out the government’s functions. Interestingly, the tales of mysterious militants in the name of religion haven’t stopped. These stories are no longer just words. Today, we can watch these stories unfold like a movie. We see plans being drawn up for attacks and movements, with an intention to settle down and gain a strong foothold.
The key point is this: if you truly want to save the country, you must first set aside your own interests. Then, you must reject corruption. Only by doing these two things can the country successfully progress toward better days.
Be well and love.
Author: Executive Editor, The Generation