Duplicity of contemporary politics and Rizvi's 'conviction'



Ashraful Islam, Planning Editor, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Barta24

Photo: Barta24

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I heard a folk saying many years ago. The editor of a regional newspaper often used to say, "Ganjakhor will be tried, opium takers will be judged". Although I did not try to understand the meaning of his words then, I remembered the words while observing the contemporary politics of the country. Today, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in a program in front of the party office in Nayapaltan in the capital gave a firm conviction on the question of protecting the country's integrity and said, "Don't let Bangladesh become another Kashmir".

It has to be said about the matter in simple judgment, why will Bangladesh become another Kashmir after getting its independence by war of liberation? As the leader of the party he gave this warning to, BNP was in power when we saw an attempt to turn the country into 'Afghanistan or Pakistan' with ten trucks of weapons. After the capture of the ten truckloads of weapons in question, when the evidence of the involvement of the top officials of the then government came out in the trial, it became visible who is the threat to sovereignty in the country's politics.

Undoubtedly, the general public has many questions about the quality of our contemporary politics or the ethics of politicians. It cannot be denied that politicians fail in most cases to achieve public satisfaction. But when a politician of the country raises the question of protecting sovereignty, the question remains whether the position of his political party is contradictory from a moral point of view. None of us disagrees with the public demand for good governance and social and economic equality that people expect from politicians. Logically, the anti-government parties will continue to struggle for these basic demands. The role of shadow government is played through such activities of political parties. People benefit from this kind of opposition.

The people of this region who have always protested against colonial rule-exploitation have been fighting for their independence-autonomy or as a final result 'full self rule' for many ages. The colonial monsters have succumbed to the struggle inspired by the hearts of the people. This trend of struggle has always been maintained in the tradition of the country's political development since the birth of independent Bangladesh and in the later era. But contemporary politics cannot be reconciled with our traditional traditions.

But it is not only Ruhul Kabir Rizvi who makes such rude comments. We often hear such empty statements in the arena of politics at this time. This makes two things clear; firstly, the indolence of politicians, secondly, the tendency to attack the opponent, in whatever way it may be, thirdly, strong desire to rise to power rather than public interest.

Like other political parties in the country, these trends are evident in the BNP and its leadership. In the transformation of Bangladesh into a developed country, the parties, according to themselves, are giving the people various hopes. But they do not accept the knowledge-based and visionary practice model of the politicians of the developed countries of the present world though our politicians often visit developed countries. It is heard that many people have built second homes in those countries. But unfortunately there is no willingness among them to acquire or utilize the knowledge and technology that advance the society and the state.

Let's come to the main topic, India, our true friend and main ally in the Great War of Liberation. The deep historical, ethnographic and common linguistic and cultural ties between Bangladesh and India are as enviable as they are rare. But the spirited effort to tear apart that sweet harmony has been strong since independence. The fact remains that a section of the country's political elite is not ready to accept this solidarity. One can find harmony in their speech with the ideology of the invading Pakistanis in the 1971. Along with personal and party interests, this conflict is largely ideological. For which in 1971 the entire nation was united on the question of freedom, but a small part took the opposite role and joined the Bengali killings with the enemies of the motherland. That small part has been greatly strengthened and strengthened by political indulgence in the last half century. That is why such a statement came to not allow Bangladesh to become Kashmir.

These politicians have nothing to do with the reality that protecting the independence of Bangladesh is essential for India's own needs. And this amazing work has been done by every government since Mrs. Indira Gandhi and will continue to do so in the future. The country's foreign policy, more precisely the 'Bangladesh policy' has not changed; Instead, more robust 'neighborhood first' programs have been added.

It can be said that trying to mislead common people with 'day blind' type statements will not go far. Therefore, it is important for the parties to be more focused to bridge the void of quality and vision that has become evident in our contemporary politics. And without losing sight of the dream of a developed country by 2041, a radical change in mindset and values within political parties and leadership is first required. Because if there is no qualitative change in politics, how will the leadership of the transformation of the developed country be created?

Three doctors are absent for a long time causing sufferings to the patients



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Barta24.com

Pic: Barta24.com

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The government has taken various initiatives to ensure the presence of doctors and officials in government hospitals. However, a different picture is seen in Barishal's 50- bed Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex. Three doctors of the hospital have been absent for a long time. As a result, patients have to suffer due to lack of proper healthcare.

Allegedly, medical services at the hospital have come to a standstill due to lack of strict supervision. Therefore, many patients are forced to seek treatment in private hospitals.

According to hospital sources, Dr. Abu Bakar Siddique joined Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex as Medical Officer on July 1, 2011. He has been absent since January 4, 2012 after staying at the hospital for just five months. Similarly, Dr. Soma Halder joined the health complex on October 8, 2014. She has also been absent since November 5, 2015, after serving for one year.

Sources also said that Dr. Shahana Rahman joined the hospital on November 25, 2023. She has not been coming to the hospital for the past 8 months.

Although the three mentioned doctors are absent for a long time, no appointments are being made in their place. As a result, patient services are constantly disrupted. Besides, the hospital authorities are also in trouble.

A responsible source of the hospital, on condition of anonymity, said that this alarming situation has arisen due to the non-punishment of those who are negligent in fulfilling their duties. Also there is a lack of strong supervision.

Upazila Health Officer Dr. Bakhtiar Al Mamun said that Dr. Abu Bakr Siddiq and Dr. Soma Halder have been given letters to join the workplace several times. But they are still not back to work. A departmental case is ongoing against them. In addition, Dr. Shahana Rahman has been given several letters to join the work. The Civil Surgeon's office has also been informed about the matter.

He also said that the information of doctors is sent to higher authorities and ministries every month. As such, the ministry is aware of the matter. According to the latest information, one doctor may be out of a job. Of the remaining two, one is abroad, the other I don't know where. Regarding the appointment of doctors, he said, appointment is not possible until the posts are vacant. As a result, it will take time to find a new doctor.

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Three coordinators in DB for interrogation



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Collected

Pic: Collected

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Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has taken three people, including Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, into custody from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the capital. The other two coordinators are Asif Mahmud and Abu Baker Majumdar.

A DB source confirmed this information on Friday (July 26) night.

DB said three coordinators have been brought to the DB office for security and interrogation purposes.

All three of them are students of Dhaka University.

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What the Home Minister said about lifting of the curfew



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Collected

Pic: Collected

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Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said, everyone has to wait a little with the curfew till public life becomes normal. We are looking at whether the curfew can be relaxed.

He said these things while talking to reporters about the ongoing situation on Friday (July 26) night.

The Home Minister said, we are seeing if the curfew can be relaxed. Police BGB, Army are working. We have to wait a little until public life becomes normal. People should be patient. He also said that a decision may be made subject to discussion on Saturday (July 27).

At that time, he mentioned that there were brutal killings in the name of the movement, and he said, who will take responsibility for this loss of the country? BNP said they are not involved in violence. So who did it? It is a question of the people.

Regarding the arrest of the quota activists, the Home Minister said that the quota agitator leaders themselves are suffering from insecurity. For their safety, law enforcement has been called. Further action will be taken after the inquiry.

Incidentally, the government clamped a curfew from 12 midnight on July 19 to keep the situation normal around the quota reform movement. The army was also deployed.

The curfew was later relaxed for a specified period but has not yet been lifted completely.

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Government to provide treatment & income to all injured: Prime Minister



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the government will provide treatment and income to all those injured in the recent violence, regardless of party affiliation.

She said this while visiting the injured at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday (July 26). Meanwhile, she inquired about the physical condition of the injured.

Sheikh Hasina said that the government will do whatever is necessary for the treatment of those injured in the violence. The government will take responsibility for the treatment of the injured, whichever party they belong to.

She also said, even after accepting all the demands on the quota, why is the movement not ending? Everyone at home and abroad should be vocal against the violence and brutality of BNP-Jamaat.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister visited several wards of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and inquired about the injured. She talked to doctors and nurses. She ordered to give all kinds of treatment to the injured.

Earlier in the morning, the head of government visited the Bangladesh Television (BTV) building damaged by vandals' attack and fire at Rampura in the capital.

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