Stop the politics of vengeance

Aristotle defined politics as the process of solving problems through discussions among different parties without resorting to violence, for the sake of achieving a noble goal. Through countless conflicts, bloodshed and struggles, human civilisation has managed to establish a fair and beautiful democratic system. The modern European democratic system emerged out of debates and disputes, evolving from the ancient Greek model. Among all the forms of governance in the world today, democracy has proved to be the most reliable. Without a democratic environment, truly nothing else remains.

Since independence, Bangladesh has had a democratic system in place. But regrettably, in the 53 years since independence, democracy in our country has not been deeply consolidated. Again and again, the state has been placed under threat. After a series of coups and long years of military rule, an unprecedented mass uprising in 1991 brought back a relatively tolerant democratic system. In 2007, due to intense political violence, the election did not take place, and a caretaker government came to power. Following the ninth parliamentary elections in 2008, the Awami League formed the government, and for over 15 years since then has steered the country towards a centralised system of rule without fair and impartial elections.

Throughout this long course, we have seen that the politics of vengeance has persisted in Bangladesh almost all the time. Whenever one side comes to power, the other is forced to flee their homes. It is not only political terrorism and violence; often it descends into personal grudges, smear campaigns, and even vulgar abuse of the lowest kind. In the name of serving party interests, opposition parties are insulted with extremely offensive language. Even national leaders have not been spared from such attacks.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the architect of our nation—this is beyond dispute. His history of struggle has been remembered with respect not only by his contemporaries at home and abroad, but even by world leaders. Yet today, a particular group in the country, many of whom are not even 30 or 40 years old, are attacking him in shamefully derogatory terms. On August 15 last, the National Day of Mourning was not observed officially, and many spoke against Bangabandhu in crude and insulting words. What benefit has this brought to our nation?

A similar picture is seen in the case of Ziaur Rahman. One group speaks of him using extremely offensive language. Yet his contribution to the history of our nation cannot be denied. Ziaur Rahman himself never spoke ill of Bangabandhu, the Father of the Nation. Far from abusive language, not even the slightest indirect insult was ever made by him.

Throughout his long political career, Bangabandhu never spoke maliciously against anyone, nor did he ever use foul words to attack opposition parties or leaders. From reading history, we know that at that time, even those in the opposition were treated with respect. Though they pursued different politics on the field, they showed cordial behaviour when sitting together.

But what disgraceful politics of vengeance has now begun in our country! One side can hardly speak without hurling insults at the other. Whoever comes to power behaves as if they hold absolute authority, while the opposition is forced to flee for their lives. Yet in Europe, America, even in India, we see that mutual respect still prevails in politics. When a new president assumes power in the United States, all living former presidents are required to attend the inauguration. Can we even imagine such a thing in Bangladesh today?

If we become so intolerant, how will we build a fair and beautiful state? Will our politicians continue with this conflict and vengeance generation after generation? The interim government could have bridged this divide. After the mass uprising, that was what we hoped for. But sadly, even from the leaders of the uprising—many of whom later took up important responsibilities in the state or formed independent parties to initiate new arrangements—we have not heard words of courtesy.

When will we be freed from this politics of division that has taken root in Bangladesh? By denying the contributions of national leaders, what will we gain? What lesson will we give to the new generation? Mistakes and flaws will always be present in political life. No human being is above error. It is natural that great politicians will make big mistakes because they are great figures. There will be much criticism, both for and against, over these mistakes—and through that the new generation will learn new lessons. But if we deny them entirely, erase them from the pages of history, we will only bury our own past. As a nation we will be left empty, with nothing left to take pride in.

That is why the politics of vengeance must be stopped immediately. From the government to all political party’s leaders and activists, even to the general public—today we must all pledge that we will no longer continue with politics of vengeance.