Needless to say all of these arrests are being made by police for controlling the political situation created politically.
We cannot but express concern that thousands of crores of takas have been directly looted from the government banks. Even the cases against General Ershad are not pursued then legitimately doubts may arise that Zia Trust cases against Begum Khaleda Zia are the result of political motivation. This position will have to be defended one day by the present Awami League leaders before the general public. We hope the Awami League leaders are ready for this course of history. Begum Zia has not been convicted for misappropriation but cooperating in breach of trust for money which came from abroad. One must not forget political intolerance is very unforgiving.
But our concern is that mass arrests must mean many innocent people have also been denied their rights to be free. This will enhance confrontational politics because in our politics there is no place for compromise and understanding. The government is relying more on police for its party politics.
What is more worrying is that the present government is in the grip of anti-democratic forces like retired bureaucrats and corrupt ones enjoying protection.
The people are in most helpless situation when the country is sliding into violent confrontation and clashes. What is hopeless is that we cannot expect political leaders to be interested in bringing peace through politics.
One has to be completely blind not to see politics in the conviction of three-time Prime Minister and leader of the largest opposition party Begum Khaleda Zia in this election year. When the government is planning the election keeping them in power, we see no hope for peace in the absence of political leadership.
Not just us but in the wake of such massive arrests and use of police power, the UN Secretary General has expressed the UN’s grave concern over the worsening political situation in Bangladesh. In short, the UN Secretary General also sees the situation as a political.
Since the UN is reported to have been monitoring the deepening political crisis in Bangladesh, it must also monitor and take note of the fact there is practically no political leadership to stop these repressive action. Now it’s time for the UN to intervene. Monitoring, issuing warnings or expressing grave concerns will not anyhow stop the current political crisis.
