So this was an outward picture of the day. The inner picture was in fact a sweating experience on a hot summer day, which we all had to go through by waiting in the same place of the road for hours. We could not move in any direction for a long time. We had the right to see the government vehicles running fast along the free roads that were cleared up by the police. But we did not have the right to question the priority of such measures resulting in an undue confinement in the road by the government functionaries, nor had we the right even to express our annoyance over the situation. Is it what we call democracy or democratic gesture And, last but not the least, for how long will this obnoxious conduct be repeated?

In the present era of emancipation of thoughts, exchange of thoughts and culmination in the idea of fundamental freedom and human rights, the conduct seemed to be a total fiasco. It was simply an old-fashioned and deceitful molestation having complete disregard of the rights of the citizens of Bangladesh. It could not show any sign of discharging the responsibilities, at least of a citizen to a fellow citizen, let alone of a national leader.

I was passing the idlest moments in a bus and echoing with Mr. Bob Dylan- "How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man.... The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind". Some of the co-passengers were far too much critical about the situation. One of the modest co-passengers delivered a semi-lecture like a leader on a rostrum that the people of Bangladesh nowadays have become more conscious than ever and they cannot be fooled around anymore by our leaders. So this is how the general people reacted who apparently had no political involvement.

We surely have all the respect for a veteran and courageous freedom fighter like late President Ziaur Rahman and he deserves, for all time to come, salutes from the bottom of our hearts. But the exaggerated political ostentation has overdone many things which may result in public annoyance (or even turmoil) on the one hand and disgraceful retreat on the other. This ought to be pondered by all of our national leaders.

Later on I thought that the situation would be much worse when the security measures would be withdrawn after the 'safe exit' of our national leaders and the police would forget about controlling the huge traffic jam at every crossing. So I gave up waiting, got down from the bus and walked a long way home. At home, I was really at home pondering the whole abject position of the political molestation over the civil life. Would it ever be possible that we can breathe complacently without criticising our national leaders? Would it ever be possible that we will find and, if necessary, invent words to praise our national leaders for their auspicious and fruitful deeds? Would it ever be possible that the oligarchs of this country would some day realise and believe in the concept of 'Equality' and 'Fraternity'? Probably time will tell.