Expatriates struggling to live amid unhealthy political culture

After independence, the people of any country need to learn patriotism, civic responsibility, human duty, self-reliance and the use of conscience. But in Bangladesh we were taught politics. Where all those words are almost absent. And because they are absent, we cannot escape partisan political activities even abroad. Not only us, but our country too is being tarnished. Even while living in highly developed countries such as London and America, our overly patriotic politicians want to preserve or have preserved the unhealthy domestic political culture instead of practising advanced politics. This causes me deep pain. What more can be said about the country’s unhealthy politics. We all have some experience of this sick politics. Therefore, my advice to our over-enthusiastic and patriotic expatriate politicians would be that it is good to engage in politics, but let it be above party politics and in the interest of the country and the nation.

If, instead of recalling the country’s unhealthy political experiences, they could apply the good political practices of the countries they live in, it would benefit the nation immensely. At the same time, they would find fulfilment in their political lives. Can we, the ordinary people, not expect good and advanced politics from them, politics that serves the welfare of the country and the nation? We are all mad about democracy. Everywhere, we proudly repeat this word; but the question is, how much do we actually practise or enjoy it? I believe politicians fully know and understand the meaning and interpretation of democracy; but it hurts when I see them pretending otherwise and sacrificing it for partisan interests. That is why it must be said: where sorrow is deep, language falls silent.

To all expatriate political parties, I make a humble request, please do not misunderstand me. As an ordinary citizen, I am telling all the leaders of expatriate political parties: if you can stop importing the country’s unhealthy political culture abroad, it will be a great example of patriotism. Why do we forget that the country is greater than the party and the nation is greater than the country. Why should we belittle our country before others. Bengalis never bow their heads, they only know how to hold them high, and that is why they are called brave Bengalis. Are we knowingly drinking poison just to please our leaders? It must also be remembered that it is not wrong or sinful to expect good from these politicians for the country and the nation.

Why should the entire nation bear the shame of political mudslinging abroad, when we already have an independent country of our own. Who will bear the burden of humiliating the nation abroad? We must remember what the next generation is learning from us and what we are leaving behind for them. Therefore, at least for their sake, the practice of proper politics is absolutely necessary. Not only that, it is also the responsibility of all of us. If each of us questions our own conscience, we will find the answers. Often, for the greater good, one must sacrifice smaller interests. It is good to engage in politics, but it must not belittle the country and the nation—that responsibility must also be borne. Politicians are learned and wise, they know and understand the country’s political framework better. But it has become a kind of illness that whenever any political leader or minister from Bangladesh visits London or America, people prepare for protests. Even when the Prime Minister or opposition leaders come.

These preparations are not limited to protests only—sometimes they escalate into physical altercations, forcing even London and American police to struggle to control the situation. Some politicians forget altogether where they are and what they are doing. No matter which party’s leader or minister visits, they are our respected personalities. Honouring them is honouring the country and the nation. This cannot be any party’s exclusive interest. Protest is indeed a democratic language, but it must not diminish the nation’s dignity. The language of protest can be decent. Yet the way protests are staged, I doubt such a language of protest even exists in any political dictionary. Certainly not abroad. To belittle or insult the nation before foreigners for partisan or personal interests is not the duty of political leaders.

There is a saying: “In life, become great, but not by belittling others! In life, laugh openly, but not by making others cry! In life, achieve victory, but not by deceiving others!” One must also remember: “No matter how many friends or well-wishers a person may have, in the hardest moments of life or of a nation, most often one has to endure alone.” What politicians knowingly do—can it be called patriotism, can it be called public service? Recently, a Bangladesh delegation of over a hundred members led by interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus arrived in New York on 22 September to attend the UN General Assembly. Among them were some political leaders; but as not all had the same category of visa, BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, NCP leader Akhtar Hossain and Tasnim Jara had to leave JFK airport through the gate designated for general passengers.

At that time, a group of Awami League supporters verbally abused and humiliated them. NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain was even pelted with eggs. One person involved was detained by New York police but later released. However, this recklessness at an important international gateway gave one single message: “Bangladeshis mean trouble.” Over the past decades it has also become clear that branches of various Bangladeshi political parties abroad have imported the country’s conflicts instead of absorbing the advanced political culture there. In Europe, America and other developed countries, counter-rallies by expatriate Bangladeshis, sieges of embassies and consulates, scuffles—these have become regular scenes. Law enforcement agencies of host countries have little reason to take these matters lightly. News of these incidents in their media portrays Bangladeshis as a “risky community” in the eyes of foreign societies. This brings no benefit to expatriates; rather it greatly harms the country. Those involved in these acts are damaging Bangladesh’s image in the long run.

The Bangladeshi embassy and consulates in the United States cannot avoid responsibility for what happened this week. Their duties are supposed to include advance coordination of state visits, protection of Bangladeshi citizens abroad and positive branding of the country on foreign soil. In reality, Bangladeshi embassies often issue statements after unpleasant incidents and consider their job done. Especially in the UK and US, leaders and activists of the two main political parties have long been creating unpleasant situations abroad. After multiple bad experiences faced by interim government advisers abroad, the Bangladeshi embassy in the US could have taken early measures to avoid this latest incident.

It is the ordinary expatriate Bangladeshis, not connected to politics, who suffer from the recklessness of expatriate politicians and the lax preparations of embassies. In America and over a hundred other countries, they work as construction workers, taxi drivers, farm labourers, students, nurses, doctors, engineers, managers and in other professions. They obey the law, pay taxes, and send remittances. We know that despite so much corruption and damage, Bangladesh’s economy survives largely because of expatriate remittances. They are the true representatives of the state abroad. The country’s reputation and credibility rests on their shoulders. But if small expatriate political groups continue to tarnish the country’s image through conflict and chaos, the price will be heavy. Everyone must unite against them. To illustrate the mindset, let me give an example from abroad: on trains or buses in England, even during rush hour, in huge crowds, people stand so orderly that no one causes discomfort to others.

I have been accustomed to witnessing this for more than a decade. I dream that one day such an environment will also develop in my country. Because day by day the country is advancing. People’s mentality is changing; but these hopes are often dashed only because of political instability. In our country, examples of punishment for criminals are rare, so crimes are only increasing day by day. To political parties I must say: if you practise truthful and correct politics, the country and the nation will benefit. At the same time, you will also find fulfilment in your political lives. Do not think of the party as the only priority; love the country, love its people. Speak the truth in the interest of the country and the nation. Then you will also find fulfilment in your political lives abroad. And in this lies the welfare of the country and the nation.

Rayhan Ahmed Tapader: Researcher and columnist, London