Leftest leader Bhaskar Samanta’s evolution into a pro-Islamic form (Part-1)

❐ Special Correspondent

Samantha Sharmin was a student of the 2011-12 session of the Sculpture Department of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University. She was associated with leftist politics on campus from the beginning of her academic career. During her studies in fine arts, Samantha was active in radical leftist activities and used to take a publicly critical stance on conventional Islamic teachings.

While studying in the sculpture department during her university life, she was extensively involved in sculpture. Creating various works of art and human figures was one of the main practices of her academic life. However, from an Islamic perspective, creating sculptures and statues is considered a completely forbidden and controversial subject. As a result, Samantha’s activities are considered to be in direct conflict with Islamic teachings.

Critics say that someone who once embraced sculpture as part of his artistic practice is now trying to establish himself as a follower of Islamic values—a clear contradiction.

During her five years as a student of fine arts, Samantha Sharmin never wore a hijab or burqa. Instead, she regularly wore Western-style clothing and presented herself as a follower of a modern lifestyle. But since joining the NCP, a dramatic change has been observed in her clothing and appearance. Now she is always presenting herself in Islamic attire and is putting forward a religious image politically.

According to critics, this is an image created for political purposes, which is completely at odds with his past life.

It is claimed that those involved in left-wing politics do not usually indulge in immoral activities. As a result, there is no opportunity to gain much financially from being involved in left-wing politics. On the contrary, after the formation of the NCP, many leaders and activists of the organization are allegedly seen earning money with both hands. Samantha’s former comrades claim that she joined the NCP with the opportunity to earn a huge amount of money and the aim of gaining financial benefits. As a result, allegations are being made in various quarters that personal interests have been given priority to her over political ideals.

However, there has been a significant shift in her political stance in recent times. Since joining the NCP leadership, Samantha has been trying to project herself in a pro-Islamic image. According to critics, this shift in stance is due to political necessity and to adapt to the new political equation.

Party sources say that Samantha Sharmin is conveying a message of loyalty to Islamic values ​​while trying to secure a place in the top leadership of the NCP. However, her activities during her university life were the subject of various controversies for being against religious principles.

According to political analysts, Samantha’s transformation is not just personal, but also a reflection of a trend familiar to the new generation of politicians, where many try to move away from past ideologies and present themselves according to new circumstances.

(Continued)