10 questions to the politicians
I have carefully read Janab Abu Talab Mahmudur Rahman's letter [DS-06 December 2006] written from Kuwait and have carefully noted down its content. I am not quite sure if I am the bravest amongst the available politicians but I think that anyone claiming himself/herself to be a politician would certainly like to reply to Janab Rahman's letter without much hesitation. I also feel that he deserves a reply, so that politicians as a whole are not laden with all the blame and responsibility for whatever is happening in our beloved country.
Answer no.1: No, not always.
Answer no.2: Yes, undoubtedly.
Answer no.3: You have asked a sweeping question, whose reply is that not all politicians that you come across are shameless. Men and women who come from a good stock and indulge in political activities know how to behave and how to differentiate between good and bad.
Answer no.4: Most of us, I agree, are driven by muscle rather than brain because there is an acute dearth of intellectuals and educated people amongst the ranks of the politicians today. Conversely, we have a plethora of musclemen and musclewomen roaming around everywhere. Half-read or half-educated people are found occupying the highest seat of power today unlike the times of Shere-Bangla Fazlul Huq or Husein Shaheed Suhrawardy -- political giants of the sub-continent.
Answer no.5: We feel that our political opponents do not give a damn to our legitimate demands terming everything that we say or do as subversive. Our backs are pushed against the wall leaving us with no option but only hard line. Personally I think that any 'oborodh' or blockade should be confined to the person or institution which has become controversial and not the whole country. Presently we are trying to do exactly that.
Answer no.6: Sorry dear, where is that blessed democracy in our country which you are talking of? Is it on paper that you see or on our lips? You may say we have a mockery of democracy or if you are more generous we may say, we have a semblance of democracy. Show me, which of the political parties except the CPB or the dreaded 'Jamaat' follows democratic traditions [and ways] within their 'homes' in our country? None, you would agree. Where are the solid democratic institutions which nurture democracy? Then why talk of democracy and compromise at all?
Answer no.7: No. Politicians are just a minority numerically, but very strong otherwise due to their fertile brains!
Answer no.8: Sometimes the people in general also make mistakes and choose the wrong people to rule the country. It is then that the country goes to dogs and innocent lives are lost. Selection of right persons through ballot is still a far cry in our country, since we go by the 'Markas' or symbols which represent various parties. Not necessarily all nominated candidates of my chosen or favourite party may be angels. Therefore you see, where do we make the basic error?
Answer no.9: Agreed. But to revert to sensible politics will take enough time; at least a generation.
Answer no.10: No, not at the moment, because it is a free for all affair. Once I am elected or any Tom, Dick or Harry is elected there is no way to bring him back to senses or the right track if he goes astray. For five years s/he is gone!
Answer no.1: No, not always.
Answer no.2: Yes, undoubtedly.
Answer no.3: You have asked a sweeping question, whose reply is that not all politicians that you come across are shameless. Men and women who come from a good stock and indulge in political activities know how to behave and how to differentiate between good and bad.
Answer no.4: Most of us, I agree, are driven by muscle rather than brain because there is an acute dearth of intellectuals and educated people amongst the ranks of the politicians today. Conversely, we have a plethora of musclemen and musclewomen roaming around everywhere. Half-read or half-educated people are found occupying the highest seat of power today unlike the times of Shere-Bangla Fazlul Huq or Husein Shaheed Suhrawardy -- political giants of the sub-continent.
Answer no.5: We feel that our political opponents do not give a damn to our legitimate demands terming everything that we say or do as subversive. Our backs are pushed against the wall leaving us with no option but only hard line. Personally I think that any 'oborodh' or blockade should be confined to the person or institution which has become controversial and not the whole country. Presently we are trying to do exactly that.
Answer no.6: Sorry dear, where is that blessed democracy in our country which you are talking of? Is it on paper that you see or on our lips? You may say we have a mockery of democracy or if you are more generous we may say, we have a semblance of democracy. Show me, which of the political parties except the CPB or the dreaded 'Jamaat' follows democratic traditions [and ways] within their 'homes' in our country? None, you would agree. Where are the solid democratic institutions which nurture democracy? Then why talk of democracy and compromise at all?
Answer no.7: No. Politicians are just a minority numerically, but very strong otherwise due to their fertile brains!
Answer no.8: Sometimes the people in general also make mistakes and choose the wrong people to rule the country. It is then that the country goes to dogs and innocent lives are lost. Selection of right persons through ballot is still a far cry in our country, since we go by the 'Markas' or symbols which represent various parties. Not necessarily all nominated candidates of my chosen or favourite party may be angels. Therefore you see, where do we make the basic error?
Answer no.9: Agreed. But to revert to sensible politics will take enough time; at least a generation.
Answer no.10: No, not at the moment, because it is a free for all affair. Once I am elected or any Tom, Dick or Harry is elected there is no way to bring him back to senses or the right track if he goes astray. For five years s/he is gone!
I would love to respond to your further queries if any.
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