BD Rulers and Politicians

By: Sunita Paul

Most of the donor nations are putting special emphasis on holding free and fair general election in Bangladesh within December 2008. Although the present regime in Dhaka, which enjoys support from the armed forces is continuing to promise of holding the election within 'road map', no one can tell with certainty whether such intention is genuine or not. Earlier, the same rulers with former World Bank official Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed as the Chief Executive promised of holding the election by December 2007. But, in fact they didn't. The government brought an excuse of preparing National Identity card and Voter list within April 2008, in order to hold the election by 2008. Although there had been some moves from the government in preparing such cards and lists till February 2008, it has suddenly gone silent as the country is under acute food shortage and a silent famine is gradually breaking in. The government is also facing tremendous obstacles in resolving the growing power (electricity) crisis in the country, which shall greatly affect its agricultural and industrial sectors.

Shall this interim government really hold election by 2008 and handover power to elected representatives? This is a million dollar question in the minds of every Bangladeshi and even international community. Although the government as well as its supportive power, the armed forces are continuing to say that the election in 2008 is a must, there are number of reasons to have doubts about the sincerity of the government in finally shifting power to people's representatives.

Since the present interim government came in power on January 12, 2007, it has arrested large number of politicians and businessmen on corruption charges. Some of the top media personalities like Mr. Atiqullah Khan Masud, owner and editor of Dhaka's largest vernacular daily Janakantha (People's Voice), Mr. Enayetur Rahman Bappi, managing director of a leading private television channel named NTV, Mr. Salman F Rahman, owner of Dhaka's leading English language daily The Independent and also President of BEXIMCO, a huge private level business conglomerate were arrested. Meantime, although the government released Mr. Enayetur Rahman Bappi as no substantial allegations could be brought against him, it (the government) continues to persecute Mr. Atiqullah Khan Masud and Salman F Rahman with numerous allegations. It is learnt from dependable sources that, some people are forced by the military backed regime in Dhaka in bringing false allegations against each of the held personnel and trial of such cases are taking place within isolated trial house set inside Dhaka parliament building complex. This place, which had been the center of country's democracy, has now virtually turned into a mere Trial Place and even prison cells to house two of the former Prime Ministers.

Commenting on ongoing trial of politicians, media personalities and businessmen in Bangladesh, an expert on such issues said the military backed government is trying its best in giving a bad name to democracy and democratic institutions. On the other hand, it is ignoring some of the most corrupts or even reluctant in taking any action against those elements. Dhaka's mayor Sadeq Hossain Khoka is known to be number one corrupt man in the country. It is reported that, during past five years of BNP-Islamist Coalition rule, this man made a few hundred million dollars from various massive corruptions. Despite repeated demand in the local press and intellectual circle, the military backed government is reluctant in taking any action against Khoka. Major (Retired) Kamrul Islam is another man known for his massive corruption. Although the Anti Corruption Commission served a notice on him asking statement of his wealth, it is largely believed that such initiatives were nothing but mere eye wash.

The present rulers in Dhaka although is known to be civilian government, it is evidently seen that in reality army is in power under the garb of a civilian interim government. They have done everything in past several months in maligning politics and politicians thus patronizing some elements like Ferdous Ahmed Qureshi or Major general (retired) Syed Mohammed Ibrahim in forming 'king's party' and grabbing power in future. Intention of the government is very clear that it does not wish to hand over power to actual representatives of the people of Bangladesh. Hidden pressure is continuing on Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia (leaders of two major political parties) in quitting politics in exchange of opting for release from prison and going into exile. Although some of the party insiders of Hasina are continuing to suggest her in accepting government's request "for the time being", it is learnt from dependable sources that former Prime Minister and leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Khaleda Zia is showing her uncompromising attitude as usual in rejecting such requests. She is rather suggesting the government to restore democracy immediately and hold the general election soon. Ms. Zia is even trying to defend many of her jailed leaders and protesting the present mock trials.

The present interim government is in great dilemma on its fate once democracy gets revived in the country, as the military backed regime has already committed numerous serious offenses, which might come into active legal proceedings once people's representatives come in power. On the other hand, international communities and donor countries have clearly left signals with Dhaka that they will take 'necessary' steps against the present regime if it fails in holding the general election by 2008.

And, there is every doubt that such election within the stipulated time frame is mission impossible. In that case, what sort of actions Bangladeshi rulers may face in the months to come? Should it also affect Bangladeshi soldiers in the United Nations Peace Keepings Forces? Moreover, is there any room for the United Nations in continuing to recruit Bangladeshi soldiers, when the country is continuing to violate human rights and rule of law? Everyone knows that army is the ultimate source of power of the rulers in Dhaka. Should it leave any impact on its image as well as financial or economic transactions with the global community?