After years of harsh politics, civility feels unreal: Ashfaque Nipun

Filmmaker Ashfaque Nipun has shared positive remarks regarding the recent election atmosphere and political civility, expressing appreciation for what he described as a shift in tone.

Nipun, who had been vocal since the onset of the movement against the previous government, said the country had endured a harsh and abrasive political environment for a prolonged period. Following the recent election, in which Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping victory, the director noted that Rahman’s political conduct appeared unexpectedly courteous to many.

Referring to the matter in a Facebook status, Nipun wrote, “For the past one and a half decades, we had been under such a harsh and abrasive ruler that the political courtesy of Mr Tarique Rahman, despite his sweeping electoral victory, feels almost unreal.”

Expressing hope for the future, he added, “I hope the chair does not influence this courtesy in the days ahead; and that such civility returns to political and social spheres alike — some of which we have already witnessed in this election through exchanges of goodwill between winning and losing candidates from both alliances.”

In the comments section of his post, a supporter wrote that the election had shown certain positive aspects, particularly the goodwill exchanges between victorious and defeated candidates from both alliances, which sent a constructive message about political culture. The supporter also mentioned Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to the homes of two opposition leaders as an example of that spirit.

On the day of the national election this year, Nipun had urged citizens to vote through a video message, saying, “Let the youth’s first vote be in favour of a new Bangladesh.” After casting his ballot, he added, “The environment was very pleasant, voters were enthusiastic, and the officials were very cordial — it feels good to have voted.”