These days, on February 14, Valentines Day is celebrated in Bangladesh with great fanfare. The students and teen/ post teen generation as well as the older ones use their energy; ingenuity in doing thing to convince their loved ones.
Exactly 25 years ago on the 14 the February, I was about to finish my high school in Dhaka. I had no clue what Valentine day was. Then during the rest of student life in colleges throughout the 80s, I still did not know or do much with Valentines Day.
However 14th February remained a special day for us, the students and young people in the 80s. When the military establishment illegally captured state power on 24th March 1982, on this day, 14 the February the following year i.e. 1983, students lodged a large scale protest against the military occupation of governance. Five students – Zafar, Dipali Saha, Jainal, Mozammel and Ayub – were killed in the police firing, leading to the formation of Chhatra Sangram Parishad (students’ action council), the first politically organised platform against the military junta. The following year, on the same day during a student procession marking the event, the military rulers ran a truck on the peaceful procession instantly crushing Selim and Delwar to death.
Over the next six years, many more lives were lost. We invoked the names of Dipali Shaha, Mozamel, Selim, Delwar millions of times. Students were followed by trade unions followed by professionals and they gloriously defied the military rule. Politicians joined hands and later the civil service stepped in. Military had no options but to surrender and retreat back to the cantonment.
With restoration of democracy, along with many other things, we also forgot those who shed their lives for the democracy. And we badly mangled up militarycracy with a person Ershad. Ten years after fall of Ershad, he came back with a significantly limited capacity of a small political party leader. This time his power was not the military establishment. Ironically the people of his region were his principle force.
It is not clear whether it was done intentionally or mistakenly; Ershad’s minimal importance in Bangladesh politics was blown out of proportion and was shown as the ultimate failure of the revolution of December 1990 and of democracy. Those cliques, who have been vocal in making the story of Ershad’s joining of different political fronts as the major blunder of Bangladesh democracy and ultimate reversal of 1990 revolution, did intentionally hide the facts that Ershad in 2007 represented regional people power, not the military establishment. And when the ideological difference is minor, changing sides is not so unusual in democracy.
Not too long after media uproar over Ershad drama, stage was set for full blown military takeover and on 1/11/2007, military establishment regained crown they lost on December 1990. In 1982, the facade was Ershad, this time it was Fakhruddin and a bunch of retired bureaucrats and technocrats.
Unlike last military establishment, this new generation of military establishment is much smarter. This time the word martial law has never been pronounced, although the country faced worst kind of steam roller since its inception. This time no single character was allowed to turn into a villain. The main facade Fakhruddin worked hard to keep showing his political and administrative impotence; once a while if some advisor got out of control they have been instantly kicked out. And unlike 1982, this new generation won’t bother shooting at students. They will rather assassinate the mind, not the body. This government has excelled in picking up top tier political leaders, businessmen, intellectuals, teachers, students, journalists—torture them to inflict the worst possible emotional trauma and physical pain.
And during this 14 th February, nobody will recall Zafar, Ayub, Selim and others. Thanks to media promotion, young people and students will wear special dresses, draw graffiti on the face and celebrate beginning of Falgun or Poush or the Valentines Day. Although certain entity in Bangladesh think themselves as the great upholders of our historical accuracy and glory, history of peoples’ war against military establishment in 80s did never gain the elite status like that of 71 or 52 history. And surely some very strong quarter do not want our young generation to know about the sacrifices of these seven or those 24 in Chittagong or Zehad or Nur Hossain or Milon or many more. And probably that’s why Channel I etc will rather observe Pohela Falgun or Valentine day than remember Shahid Selim, delwar, Dipali Shaha, Zafar, Mozammel, Ayub or Joynal.
February 14, 2008 at 7:59 am
National Support for this regime has been vanished. It’s very true that, consciously or not, Bangladeshi people supported this regime when they appeared in 1/11. Even, this support remained unscathed for first 5/6 months. Amu-Mukul for AL, Mannan-ZA Khan for BNP, were sounding like traitors, but supporters did not blame this regime, never doubted this regime to be the master of puppets. But, Hafiz’s appearance in the treachery scene was imprudently stupid. Unacceptable role of Hafiz and stupidly audacious statements of once overfed General Z.A. Khan, made people suspicious that there must be somebody powerful playing from behind. On the otherhand, rest half of Bangladeshis, took sides against the regime or turned into depressingly & unusually apathetic about the regime, after Hasina was arrested. Neutral people who always try to see things from the point of view of both the parties or none of these parties, tried to observe things. But rocketing price hike also pushed them out of the supporters-camp of this regime. Ultimately, now, this regime has very few amounts of supporters, who are may be directly or indirectly, intensionally or unintentionally beneficiary of this regime’s ill-fated & unlawful way of ruling Bangladesh.
Now, nobody likes them
February 14, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Does nobody find it odd when CEC round table dialog starts, keeping a party aside which has been in the power for 10 years among this nation’s 16 years long history of Democracy? Even while one time this “kept-aside” party has won the election with two-third majority in the house?
February 14, 2008 at 3:23 pm
#1
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very true that, consciously or not, Bangladeshi people supported this regime when they appeared in 1/11. Even, this support remained unscathed for first 5/6 months.
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Disagree.
If we would hear facts from President Iazuddin (if he ever could publish), then citizen would know what happened few days pre 1/11. What happened that night was not secret anymore as we have seen the dynamics of the incidents and players intention. In one sentence: criminal acts by criminals with a grandeur plan of plunging nation to a non functional sate by their criminal intents and sheer stupidity.
People are simply enduring this regime hopping regime comes to senses, or fails and disappears by itself, or struggle begins to remove them forcefully. They will not come to sense and they have failed.
Surely it took month for people to realize who and what was happening, but that doesn’t summarize it to ‘support’.
February 14, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Add to # 3, price hikes, prison tortures and many other hurtful incidents that took place is a proof itself that nation was taken up by some criminals who took nation into deeper troubles. It is an extreme offense to undermine a functional president and creating a state of panic and fear. Army simply abused its authority and broke the trust of people. That makes them simply power criminals
February 14, 2008 at 9:55 pm
It was under “doctrine of necessity” translation instruction from DGFI, chief selection commissioner sent invitation to Saifur-Hafiz illegal entity. Since his appointment selection commissioner had overtly and covertly expressed his allegiance to awami league and its brand of politics. For President it should not be difficult to invite selection commissioner and his two posses for a “tea” invite. That is if doctrine of immediate past example” is allowed and applied.
What is the point of having dialogue with party like Gono forum, Samobadi dal, Workers party etc. These parties have non existence public support other than sushil chapabazi and capacity to organize violence.
Bottom line – this is not preparation for an election. Even election is forced on this interim entity by very foreign sponsors brought them in power, it will be just to get a blanket amnesty for this illegal activities. Govt in this fashion will not able to survive pass mid term.
But much of how things will turn out hinges upon lifting of SOE.
February 15, 2008 at 1:11 am
#3
Asaad,
Well may be your analysis is true. But I found many people who sounded like, “ei shorkar jodi na ashto, ki je hoito”. These people I am talking about include with every CNG autorickshaw drivers and every rickshaw pullers and most of all shopkeepers I have met in last one year. But as you have told and I have forgot to mention, that yes, many of these people were in the stance of “observing” (I guess those were sharper ones). They just sounded like, “let see what happens”. But a good number of people were sounding like this regime has rescued the nation.
Now, those who supported this regime, now I think are utmost depression, the depression of the mistake that they did to find true colors. Even CEC’s rumbustious speeches like he will die but election will be held, are not being convincing.
February 15, 2008 at 10:13 am
DIG Prison Shamsul Haider Siddiqui says Begum Zia’s letter to EC is unlawful.
I don’t understand why this regime has come down to take on BNP with all of its tools. Firstly their existence in power is absolutely unlawful itself. Instead of dealing with this, from where they found the spirit to fight with BNP? BNP has been in the power during two-third of the whole Democratic history of Bangladesh, even one time with two-third majority in the house. Is this the main thing, led this illegal regime to show the wrath to BNP?
February 15, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Pre 9/11, enemies of state knew that AW has no chance to come to power in a fair election. Having election has no benefit to them. Having no election and creating chaos may provide an opportunity to manage Bangladesh as they desire. Manage means one thing, less prosper in every sector of Bangladesh, continuation of infighting. It is much easier to do with AW then BNP. ‘War criminal’, ‘Islam-bad’ bla bla can be used over and over gain via AW and like parties. BNP in general does not proceed with issues of ‘war criminal’, ‘islam-bad’.
Enemies realized, without KZ removed, BNP can not be weaken. It became hard fact. That is why KZ and her family is the prime target. They have failed almost all possible means. Legal, illegal, all are tried and none worked. The mind set they have now, I won’t be surprise if they would physically harm them.
Hasina already said she will validate all actions. In other way, she won’t mind to deal and enemy of state won’t mind to deal with her. KZ was hardened of her husband death to a level and respect & love she receives from her supporter keeps her going. She has nothing to loose not having any deals. Moin knows he is doomed with KZ, and has zero survivality with her. Either Moin (and few others) or KZ in next future of Bangladesh. In the middle are the huge BNP+ supporters. He knows, bad happening to her means peace lost forever, even death. Assured non BNP government is only last assured hope they have. They are still not sure and can not guarantee a true election of Non BNP government. Other choice may be any other party or ‘MV & Co. BNP’. That would work out too. They have a high hope over ‘selection commission’ that it would make any party or MV & Co.
February 15, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Lol, unfortunately ur blog is turning out to be the forum of the pro BNP bloggers. It would have been much better if these pro BNP bloggers could look beyond their partisan POV, like u did in this post of yours.
I salute u for your unmoved stand for democracy. Please write something on Sheikh Hasina’s illness and the new theory of ASM Abdur Rab (JSD).
February 15, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I heard an ex Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank to say,
Antibiotics are given for only few days, in smaller doses. When a prescription is about higher doses of antibiotics, it obviously causes negative side effects to the patient.
Exactly what happened in Bangladesh, the antibiotic has been fed for too long, now the side effect has come as the fatal downfall of economy. The state of emergency has been turned into “dal-bhat”. Similarly, death of a jailed person without treatment, making arrest for three times a week, hijack of one of largest political parties, these are some events those Bangladeshi people never thought of but have experienced in this one year.
February 15, 2008 at 5:42 pm
FZ
How a ‘pro BNP posting’ is ‘unfortunate’? Is there a shortage of AW views?
February 16, 2008 at 1:10 am
Dear FZ,
In a party constitution (of BNP or of AL), it never says to cause damage to Bangladesh. It never says to do any harm to Bangladesh. None of the party constitutions says to kill people or to abandon the chairperson or the president. Party’s and all of its ideas are constructed considering prosperity of a nation, devotion to the country, may be in different ways. A person who supports a party, it’s sure that that person believes to love the country, in his party’s ways. On the other hand, people those are none of proAL, proBNP, anti-AL, anti-BNP, those who are none of these types, are apathetically confused about what to do. Nobody is sure whether they have any soft-corner for the nation or not. So, if there is any proAL, or proBNP, or anti-BNP/AL writer or blogger, according to party ideas, none of them can be harmful to the nation. So what’s wrong if a blogger comes as proAL,or proBNP. At least their is no proJMB or proSharbo-hara here to make you frustrated.
right?
February 16, 2008 at 3:32 pm
The DGFI spoke person Hafiz again stated their desire to use ‘BNP’ in coming election ensuring a no contest win for Moin.
February 16, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Hasina in Jail doesn’t help RATS, regardless of dealings with Selection Commission. Hasina alone out doesn’t help much, as BNP would want KZ out too. KZ out is a dangerous things for Moin & DGFI. If Hasina out in America, Moin can put all their strength in nullifying KZ. Hafiz has been assured to taste the high power.
Hasina out in America & KZ in jail helps Selection Commission to provide all help AW needed. ‘AW ailo’ card will be used heavily and Hafiz will have something to blame BNP. Hafiz has been assured by selection commission that BNP will have ride only via Hafiz. BNP can only make deal with Hafiz if “KZ -” can be agreed on.
Weather ‘BNP + Hafiz’ happens or not, as long Hafiz joins the election, it validates election having ‘BNP’ on board. ‘Hafiz-BNP’ or ‘Hafiz+BNP-KZ’, both assure BNP not being formidable in voting against AW. Then an AW win is guaranteed in a fair election. ‘BNP – Hafiz + KZ in jail’ will be a contest in election. ‘BNP + KZ’ will simply deteriorate health of Moin by having upset stomach and uncontrolled bladder of ‘what-if BNP-comes’.
If AW comes to power, RATS will be given credit and may save themselves from the wrath of Hasina. Hasina may be willing to let go old feelings having AW in power. If AW can pull this, they deserve credit of a good team work without damaging their own party.
As for Hafiz and gang, they are history. People are still hearing them, not that they are working hard for democracy, but they are active in assuring a weak BNP. In future, they will be out of the country, or will hide for years till BNP supporters cools down.
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BNP simply should not make any deal with Hafiz. If they can do election with “BNP – Hafiz + KZ in jail”, and losses, democracy continues and BNP stays together. They should behave responsibly as opposition party, and try their strength next time.
February 18, 2008 at 6:30 am
Response to # 14-
Dear Asad,
IMHO any sorts of BNP’s complicity with the upcoming win of LEFTY+COMMIE+DADA (I.E.INDO+ZIO-NAZY’s new-found gholams) leaning AW through Election-Engineering would be murderous for BNP. My farm assessment is that there is a determind plan in progress to make BNP as after 70′s Muslim League. So, the good strategy for KD would be to apply CHANAKYA tactics with much wise and shrwedness, rational and situational awareness than Loghi-Baitha criminals. Let’s brain storm a lot in that direction to save our beloved motherland.
February 18, 2008 at 8:20 am
#15
Any lights on why and how BD Army got involved in these nuisances of weakening BNP?
February 18, 2008 at 9:38 am
AW knew all along that they won’t win and won’t go to election. But they declared anyway that they will go for election and days later went back to ‘no election’. Why and what happened to all those nomination money they collected. Was there a dispute in distribution of these ‘earnings’, was there an internal collapse with ‘mohazot’ in seat distribution which bound to effect a disaster outcome. Was their central command almost became ‘non existence’ and was totally incapable to carry on votes.
Where is all money BNP earned? Was there similar dispute in BNP in distribution and ‘earnings’? BNP was definitely going for vote, and definitely would spend the money. Did TZ took that money and stashed it in Moinul Rd/Hawa Bhaban/Malaysia/Dubai and had no care of BNP? Was money in ‘Moinul Road’, so the heavy search took place twice for hidden money from the tips of Khoka and MV. Or was it Khoka, MV and few others saw an opportunity of ‘gone KZ’, ‘digest money’.
Did Moin got ‘great tips’ and was confirmed of ‘gone KZ’ formula, thus testing high power was eminent? Was all those great tips and ‘gone KZ’ got busted badly, and by then arresting MV and Khoka, or killing them, would simply put him in more danger?
No one asked Moin for presidency, but was he testing water by saying ‘I will not be president’. Was he hopping that people will rush to him to be president? Was it then he got upset and realized being stupid and duped?
Where are the money of AW and BNP that they earned via selling nomination? What are the Bank Accounts of TZ and money that was brought in by Mamun. Where are the girls that Mamun and TZ met in ‘rangmahal’ (news paper article), Where are the ‘kabin nama’, What was found in searching of KZs house, or for that matter any house. What was found in Hawa Bhaban via breaking it storage lock?
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One+ year has passed and all those claims still remain unanswered. Is these how we bring claims and pin down people with justice system using news paper cuttings?
February 20, 2008 at 8:20 am
Response to # 16
Dear Assad,
There are similarities among BD Army getting involve in weaking BNP and PAKI Army killing pious Muslims + Algerian Army not letting Islamic party to form GOVT. Throughout the world Army-officer’s psyche are built on Secular+Materialistic educational foundations that has been designed by colonial Westerners. Thus, now a days, Salah Uddin, Tariq, Musa etc types of generals are unfounded in Muslim armies(Especially in former colonies) . Furthermore, Generals from BD, PAK, EGYPT, TURKEY etc get brain-washed when they come to West for training. They are made to believe that they are superior to civilians (The fact is that they hold big guns and might is always the ultimate right in Western domination and its new found buddy IND, so Westerner’s interest have to be transpired through them) and can do better than politicians. Because of the lack of critical-thinking ability, knowledge and understanding of historic perspectives they fall as easy prey, eat enemy of mankind’s bait and later become PUPPET WITHOUT STRING like Musharraf of PAK. In a nutshel, the current BD army’s top brass was black mailed by the fear of losing UN Carrot, which happened to be worshiping money+prestige over uplifting moral+patrioting ground. IMHO, MUA also has touch with Commie ideology who hates BNP as much as BJP+VHP+SHIB SENA hate Aurangajeb. That is another core reason for BNP cleansing as well.
February 20, 2008 at 10:36 am
#18
UN engaging BD or Paki army in UN tasks had multiple objectives.
1. Any death to raises no eye brows in home nation.
2. Well organized entity earning money they could never dream.
3. Contact with high profile people and exposing them to luxury has a bound effect in personal level. Experience of travel back home as first class passenger is a lifetime impact.
4. Leaving in luxury would overcome any national interest.
It is safe to say that (except foot soldiers) officer’s pools are all sold.
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We need to slow down this UN engagement. This should be a major ‘daabi’ of next election of all parties.
February 25, 2008 at 3:21 pm
List of the sold out officers can be long by now since THE KING OF OUR SOLDIER has transformed as KING OF MERCENARY—
http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/fullnews.asp?News_ID=69048&sec=4
But Alas! BNP’s top brass couldn’t realize that they were having new MIR JAFAR, JAGAT SHET, UMI CHADs in their high commands, who wouldn’t protect them in the time of reckoning, thus paid the big prize. One thing is clear from MUA’s action, which is he has perfected ‘The deception art’. Ironically both of IND and ISRO military doctrines are deceptives.