Times are Changing

Advocate Aneek R Haque
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What sort of world are you leaving for us, O my glorious learned predecessors,” lamented Shamsur Rahman, the poet. When I think of our political scene, I tend to think in the same vein. The words “politics” and “politician” arouse mixed feelings in me.

Looking back, my generation went through a diverse political experience -- we had a military junta who upon seizing the power kept sitting there, while we were told that the dream of having a democratic Government would soon come, but it kept lingering on and it took all of our school days with it. But those few glorious days in 1990 are the best of political scenario that I have seen. All our leaders were in agreement and acted in unison to get rid of the autocrat. We remember Nur Hossain, who carried our dreams in his heart and died the death of a democratic martyr.

But that was the only time I can remember our political leaders agreeing on something without any reluctance. I have seen a few more occasions when elected MPs agreed wholeheartedly to raise their own salaries and benefits, but that's about it.

Why do our leaders behave in such a way that, we the general public start disbelieving every word they utter? Are we as a nation skeptical that we will not have faith in our leaders on whose thoughts and works our future depends?

Well, somewhere something went wrong, for we have reached a situation where political intolerance has reached such a level where we seem to have adopted Geoge W. Bush's policy of “either you are with us or against us”. How could we reach this stage when one politician of one party will not have the civility to recognise other party followers? Is there no place for liberal thoughts?

I, in my heart do recognise each and every stalwart of our nation. We could not have achieved our independence without Bangabandhu's and at the same time, Ziaur Rahman's contributions in the war. It is time we recognised the contributions of both these iconic figures and moved on. Somehow it seems to me that our political parties have managed to reduce these two national leaders into mere party leaders, whish is a lamentable situation.

It breaks my heart to see that our politicians keep on harping about their glorious past. It seems like these 'leaders' have their sight firmly set on the past and is so focused that they forget to look ahead in the future. The whole case of our political intolerance that is going on disheartens me and my generation. How is it possible that our national leaders, irrespective of their parties, go abroad and speak ill of our country? We raise a hue and cry when our sports teams get thrashed in international games, but is it any different when a politician, upon going abroad, speaks of the great divide and all that is wrong with his or her political opponent and the country in general? Looking around the world, I rarely see a politician from another country behaving in such a manner. I am sure every country has its fair share of inner squabbles but when they go out they put on a united front. Yet, we seem to advertise our political poverty in every way we can.

Coming to the most important question, what if I am given a chance to join politics? My emphatic answer would be a “No”. To me the word “politics” symbolises a toxic wasteland with a big red sign that says “KEEP AWAY”.

I will not be subjugated for what I believe is wrong. Our political scene does not allow that. You have to come assigned to a particular party. Even an MP can lose his membership if he crosses the line. I want to see a political environment where I can freely speak my mind. We achieved democracy back in 1990 but since then, it seems that we have always been ruled by democratically elected autocrats.

So what would be the use of entering a political scene where you have no freedom of thought, conscience or speech? Who wants to be part of a society where one refuses to greet someone just because the other person does not share his ideology? What would be the difference between me and a blind faith follower?

And yet, I sincerely find myself hoping that all these would change, that our current political leaders, whose speech at times, borders on standup comedy, would see the error of their ways. I dream that one day our Prime Minister and Opposition Leader would issue a joint press statement stating that they have decided to stop their personal bickering and will be united. I long for the day when our MPs would agree to disagree amicably and will actually legislate for the people.

And I hope and dream that I am not the only one who is dreaming of such things. I am sure all of us are sick and tired of this political intolerance. We want a change to come, a change that would sweep aside the older style of politics and allow room for young voices.

Let me end with the immortal lines of Bob Dylan, which may act as caution for the power to be. The new generation is willing to take care of things. Our voices are not to be kept aside any longer.

“Come senators, congressmen, please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway, don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt, will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside, and it is ragin'
It'll soon shake your windows, and rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.”
I believe the change might come sooner than we think.

(The writer is Barrister at Law, Supreme Court of Bangladesh.)