The New Nation - Internet Edition

Mohammed Nawazish

Political parties have bundles of election pledges one of which is the eradication of terrorism. The blood-chilling terrorist activities all over the world including our own country beggar all description. Terrorism shall have to be contained by all means and the parties are univocal in this regard. Undeniably, security of life and property tops all prerequisites to social and economic development but what makes me shaky in mind is the question of capability of the political leaders to fall hard on the terrorists to wipe out their potentials once for all.

Party concept presupposes that a large band of 'workers' will work in support of individual leaders in championing their cause and brainwashing the people to queue up behind them. They often take recourse to unfair means to induce voters to cast vote in their favour. Instances are galore that polling booths are taken over by these 'workers' on the wilful command of their mentors.

Here lies the potent root of unlawful activities which gradually converts to terrorism in favourable circumstances. No wonder, in due course these blessed quasi-criminals will turn into tender snatchers, extortionists and muggers. In a critical perspective, some of these elements turn to vicious terrorists. Point is, can the leaders effectively shackle these obedient cohorts when they actually get into the seat of administration? History reflects a discouraging picture.

Some parties stick to some ideological pole that keeps them blind to violence and even rebellion if aimed at attaining their ideological target.

Their preachings and doings are clearly contradictory as they have to cautiously swing over people's sentiment.

It is unfortunate that no uniformity in principle is observed on the question of handling terrorism. Some parties remain tight-lipped over terrorist activities committed in India, some in the USA, some even in our own country. There are different angles of vision and very often the difference between terrorist acts and struggle for emancipation are unwisely mixed up.

Political parties have to understand that even mugging, stabbing, dacoity or hijacking are forms of terrorism vitiating the environment of peaceful living.

Violent and unlawful act in any form is terrorism and that has to be encountered with force and rooted out irrespective of party affiliation and position of the offenders.

The next parliament is within sight. We cherish a great hope that the new leaders will show moral strength and deep acumen to come up to the occasion. But our high hope dries down as we see thousands of hysteric supporters roll down the streets in rowdy waves to welcome their respective leaders released from incarceration halting traffic, blocking roads and forcing the shops to pull down shutters. Windshields of many vehicles were shattered by angry supporters if their leaders were denied nomination by the party high command.

We did not hear a note of reprimand or warning from any of the top leaders against such vandalism. These are no happy signal but we still hope our elected representatives will firmly deal with unlawful elements for the sake of the country and the people. I remind them of Voltaire's words: The longer we dwell upon our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us. There is really no time to waste.

(Mohammed Nawazish is a retired senior civil servant. 36/1 Dhanmondi, Road 4, Dhaka 1205. Ph: 9660499)