October 28 in Dhaka: A Day of Apprehension and the Call for Peace
October 28: A Day of Apprehension in Dhaka
As the calendar flips to October 28, the people of Dhaka find themselves on edge, grappling with apprehension and uncertainty. In the lead-up to this pivotal day, the political landscape has been marred by incendiary remarks and unwavering stances from the two major parties, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Awami League (AL). The looming question that hangs in the air is whether today will witness a violent showdown that has been building amidst this political turmoil.
This state of affairs prompts us to ponder: Could this have been avoided? The Awami League, as the ruling party, had the opportunity to defuse the tension by allowing the BNP to peacefully hold their rally. Instead, they decided to call for a counter-rally on the same day, a move that has become all too familiar in the political playbook. This decision not only makes confrontations a possibility but also, sadly, an inevitability on many occasions. It’s worth reminding the ruling party that the rights to peaceful assembly and association are enshrined in the country’s constitution.
AL leaders from various city units have made statements indicating their readiness to dominate the field and to be “not empty-handed.” They have even vowed to prevent BNP activists from spreading throughout the city. This raises the crucial question: In what capacity are the members of the AL making these statements? The responsibility for maintaining law and order should rightfully fall on our law enforcement agencies, not political party members. Both the BNP and AL are political parties with equal rights under the constitution, and it’s essential to ensure a level playing field. Why should one party enjoy unrestricted access to the city while the other faces obstacles, harassment, and phone searches at every checkpoint?
The BNP, despite provocations from the AL, has managed to keep a lid on violent reactions in the past. However, this time, they appear to be on the brink of retaliation. In this tense moment, we earnestly urge them to exercise restraint. Violence is not the answer to their frustrations. Instead, a strong and sustained peaceful movement that garners the support of the people is the way forward. They must remember that their violent tactics in the lead-up to the 2014 polls did not succeed and, in fact, alienated a significant portion of the public.
In the midst of this high-stakes political showdown, the state and its apparatuses bear a heavy burden. They must, first and foremost, distance themselves from the ruling party and cease acting as an extension of it. It is paramount that they halt the harassment of opposition activists and ordinary citizens, and desist from unlawfully checking their phones ahead of the rally. The role of the state apparatus is to ensure peace and security without resorting to unlawful arrests or unprovoked violence. Neutrality is the call of the hour, regardless of which side exhibits violence, be it the BNP or the AL.
In this developing story, we implore both the BNP and the AL to exercise reason and refrain from resorting to violence at all costs. They should not hold Dhaka and its residents hostage to their political whims and power plays. It is crucial to remember that a substantial portion of Dhaka’s population comprises day laborers and small business owners who depend on their daily earnings to make ends meet. If the fight for power is genuinely about “the people,” then the least the parties can do is consider the inconvenience, insecurity, and vulnerability faced by the public. Dhaka must not be turned into a battlefield.
As October 28 unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution and a demonstration of statesmanship from the political parties involved. The citizens of Dhaka deserve to live in a city that prioritizes their well-being and peace over political posturing and power struggles. The real battle, in the end, should be against division and discord, not the people who inhabit this vibrant and resilient city.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
