The Definition of Politics, the Language of Government, and the Voice of Public Officials in a Changed Bangladesh: A Farewell to Civilization

Opinion

The Bangladesh Awami League has announced a series of programs from February 1–18, protesting the misrule and oppression by the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. This announcement was made on January 28 through the party’s verified Facebook page. According to the announced programs, from February 1–5, the party will distribute leaflets to support their demands. On February 6, protest rallies and assemblies will be held nationwide. Demonstrations will take place on February 10, a blockade on February 16, and a countrywide dawn-to-dusk “strict” strike is scheduled for February 18. The press release also demanded the withdrawal of murder and other charges against Sheikh Hasina and others in the International Crimes Tribunal, as well as an end to what they called “mock trials.”

After announcing the programs, Prime Ministerial Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam expressed the government’s position regarding the Awami League during a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy on the afternoon of January 29. He stated, “The ousted Awami League will not be allowed to carry out any protest programs until they apologize, bring their leadership to justice, and ensure accountability.” Earlier that morning, he posted a similar message on his Facebook account.

Immediately following this, the DIG (Political Wing) of the Special Branch, Dhaka, issued a message to officers at the divisional, district, and police station levels. The message stated:

1.  Action Against Illegal Activities: If members of the banned Chhatra League organization are seen distributing leaflets, participating in flash protests, or carrying out any activities, they must be arrested, and cases should be filed against them under anti-terrorism or related laws.
2. Legal Action Against Awami League Activities: Legal actions should also be taken against any activities carried out by the Awami League or its affiliated organizations.
3. Coordinated Efforts: District magistrates, relevant intelligence agencies, and anti-fascist political and social forces must collaborate and take joint initiatives.

The directive was signed by the DIG (Political Wing) of the Special Branch, Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Awami League is a political party. To engage in politics, political parties are governed by universally recognized rules and principles established in political science. However, in Bangladesh, the current government’s actions seem to deviate from this framework.

From the government’s statements, it appears that political parties are treated like government employees, subject to its judgments and orders. For instance, the Awami League is being asked to apologize to the Yunus government. But to whom should they apologize? Who determines that the Awami League has made a mistake?

According to universally accepted democratic norms, political parties are accountable to the voters, not to the government. A government without the people’s mandate that overrides democratic principles to suppress political parties exemplifies fascism.

The government’s stance on the Awami League’s announced programs is a prime example of fascist behavior. It reflects a blatant disregard for civilized practices.

Let us now examine the statement issued by the DIG (Political Wing). As a public servant, he is tasked with ensuring law and order. Yet, his directive suggests a political agenda: to coordinate with political and social forces to suppress the Awami League’s programs.

Such language implies a role that exceeds his mandate, resembling the authority of a military ruler in a state under martial law.

We are unaware of any precedent in the modern world where government officials have used such language. This raises the question of whether Bangladesh is becoming a state isolated from the rest of the world, with its government officials disregarding international norms.

This conduct demonstrates that civilization has bid farewell to Bangladesh. Fascist forces have taken the people and voters hostage, and the global community must pay attention to this alarming situation. Immediate and effective actions are necessary to address this crisis.

-Golam Hossain
Political Activist
January 31, 2025