—Mahfuzur Rahman—

We enjoy talking about democracy, and we love writing about democracy on the wall. Most of the writings we have written on the walls of the cities after 5 August were a tribute to democracy, optimism for democracy, and firmness of resolve for democracy. In the 1990s movement, Nur Hossain also wrote on his back, ‘Let democracy be free.’ Ah, what a beautiful epic! But why does this firmness evaporate when we go to the government? Does everyone have to become Ravana when they go to Lanka!

What is the essence of democracy? Freedom of speech! Freedom of expression! Yes, it is essentially the freedom of speech and expression. Are those who are celebrating ‘Independence 2.0’ now in Bangladesh talking about a different freedom? Not the freedom of expression!

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in its Article 19 said, “It is important not just to be able to think what you want, but also to be able to express that opinion out loud, whatever that opinion may be. If people are prevented from discussing their views with other people, or presenting them in the media, how can they ‘take part’ in government? Their opinion has essentially been discounted from the possible alternatives under consideration.”

In the Pakistani state structure, our lyricists wrote, and artists sang – “They want to take away words from our mouth.” Unfortunately, the government’s stance on taking away our right to speak is still in place.

There has been a successful movement in the country recently to abolish the discrimination and dictatorial system. Therefore, it is the hope of all concerned that the interim government, through its reform attempts, will stop the resurgence of such dictatorship. And, at the same time, those who carried out killing, torture and plunder in the past will be brought to justice. There is no lack of support for the interim government in Bangladesh. But what is lacking is the guarantee of freedom of expression. That is why we repeatedly remember the adage: I may not support what you say, but I support your right to speak. Voltaire might not utter the words, but the words stand on their own merit.

In Bangladesh, many people have recently raised questions about the constitution. There are many suggestions for amending the constitution. Some have even expressed their opinion on changing the preamble, which means changing the very basic principles of the constitution. A commission has been formed to address the proposals for reforming the constitution. Some have even publicly spoken in favour of changing the national anthem and even the national flag. Different people are clamouring every day to repeal many provisions included in the constitution. None of them are facing treason charges for their opinions. The Supreme Court has declared the operation of battery-powered rickshaws illegal. Many are agitating for the reinstatement of those rickshaws. Some of the accused politicians have been attacked under police custody while being taken to court. None was considered subversive to the state. None was seen as a severe crime.

The Chief Advisor proudly said that now there is freedom of speech in the country. Anyone can say whatever they want. The Chief Advisor has spoken the truth. What I can write now, could not be written in the last fifteen years. It could not even be said.

What has become difficult is the fear of scarecrows. In our long-standing culture of subjugation, we become sceptical of almost everything. We become afraid of even small criticism. As a result, when we see opposing views, we get agitated and annoyed. We feel uncomfortable and disgusted. And we try to isolate them with a tag of tyranny, razakars or some hateful thing.

This may also be true that the traitors may find refuge in the form of criticism of the government, or in the stance against the government. And there can also be a terrible hidden anti-state conspiracy. Therefore, it is natural for the government, law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies to be cautious and proactive against such possibilities. But there lies the biggest challenge. It is not desirable to shut someone’s mouth just because of suspicion. If the government, i.e. the authorities concerned, have sufficient evidence, it can then suspect a person of being a traitor or a criminal. Otherwise, on the pretext of suspicion, they will repeat the same old oppression that the previous regime happily carried out on the same pretext; when expressing dissent meant the sword of torture and oppression. The followers of Sanatan or Hindu religion are a substantial part of the population in the country. Though the Chief Advisor categorically said, “They are not minority, they are Bangladeshi,” they may have a lot of anger against the government. They may also have a statement against the state. Just as many others have raised the demand for amending the constitution, they can also raise it, and propose amendments. They can even try to shape public opinion for this purpose. But treason will occur when they use this as a means to divide or break up the state; or when they conspire against the stability of the state.

Many Islamic organisations are active in Bangladesh. Some of these organisations are banned because they took an anti-state militant stance. Similarly, followers of Sanatan or Hindu religion can also have organisation of their choice. In fact, they already have many such religious organisations. The government or the state has no objection to it. But sedition is a different matter. In such a case, it is a crime, and in fact, a severe crime. The government will definitely clarify the matter quickly.

It is natural that the interim government will have its challenges in the way it has been formed. The authoritarian system that has existed for so long will not disappear easily, not at all. As a result, the challenges for the government will never diminish. Besides, it is also true that this government is the government of the hopes and aspirations of the students and the people who sacrificed their lives to bring down an autocratic and fascist government. We do not want to see that after sacrificing so many lives, the writing on the walls just become a mere decoration. Therefore, this government needs to be successful. The future prospects of Bangladesh as a proud, self-respecting and prosperous country depend on the success of this government.

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The writer is a former Bangladeshi Ambassador