‘There is no question of Jamaat-Shibir coming to power. They are unsafe for the country. And the people have not forgotten their role in 1971’

 Bangladesh remains communally harmonious. The allegations of persecution of minorities are baseless. Compared to the past, reactionary groups are behaving more sensitively. In the eyes of the State, the identity of people of every religion should be based on equal rights for all citizens

Imran Hussain Tushar is a students and youth organizer, social worker and media person based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A former Central General Secretary of Bangladesh Islami Chattrasena, (students wing of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat), he has worked for the preservation of Islamic culture, arts and architecture. He is the founding chief of ‘Boisoi Publication’ and regional coordinator of Hakikat Kitabevi Bangladesh, Dhaka Division. He is also Executive Editor of ‘Sufi’, a joint journal of India and Bangladesh. In conversation on email with Amit Sengupta, Editor, timesheadline.in

What is the current situation in Bangladesh, politically? Is it peaceful, and are the democratic forces strong?

The political environment in Bangladesh after August 5, 2024 is somewhat unstable. The larger political forces are desperate for power. No one is willing to let anyone go. However, except for the Awami League and its allied political parties, everyone is conducting political activities independently. The current interim government has that independence. Therefore, the environment is democratic. But an environment full of political competition is not always peaceful. The situation in Bangladesh is much the same.

The recent past has been full of turbulence, tragedy and unrest. What is your opinion about the events that occurred, the mass protests, the exile of Sheikh Hasina, the new government formation?

The law and order situation in the country had deteriorated due to the inefficiency of the country’s Home Affairs Advisor, and inaction in particular. And the alarming increase in mob culture was a cause for deep concern in the public mind. The reason for public anger against Sheikh Hasina was the unlimited corruption of ministers and bureaucrats under the guise of development floated by the Awami League government. Besides, they were influencing the judiciary, suppressing opposition parties, a farce in the name of elections was enacted, and there was failure to control the market system, while there was serious deterioration of law and order. All this plus the reckless activities of party leaders and activists. 

The massacre carried out by Awami League government, leaders and people close to Sheikh Hasina was largely responsible for turning the students’ movement into a mass protest. Although the current government is unelected, the majority of the advisors are supporters of the two major political forces. Yes, a few advisors are trying to work. I personally applaud that.

The new caretaker government — is it functioning for the welfare of the people, or does it carry an agenda? Are people satisfied — largely?

The formation of the new government was formed in an unplanned manner. There are more incompetent people in the current government. Therefore, the government’s work can be said to be quite messy. There is a mixed reaction in the public mind about the government’s activities. And the current government is prioritizing reforms over development. Therefore, until the government publishes a complete reform outline, there is no chance for the current government’s agenda to be clear.

There have been allegations of sustained or scattered attacks on the minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh, in what is a secular and democratic society. How true are these allegations? If true, what measures are being taken to restore their confidence and protect their life and identity?

Bangladesh remains communally harmonious. The allegations of persecution of minorities are baseless. Rather, compared to the past, reactionary groups are behaving more sensitively for political purposes. The mass guarding of groups at religious places is an exceptional example of that political strategy. In the eyes of the State, the identity of people of every religion should be based on equal rights for all citizens.

Is it also true that certain kind of fundamentalists are trying to grow and expand in Bangladesh, while the larger masses are liberal and secular? Are they really growing, these extremist forces? Do they have social acceptance?

The behavior of certain religious groups and organizations in Bangladesh is extremely worrying. Those who are against the liberal principles of the mainstream of Islam — namely the Sufis. They have tried to impose their views on others in the past as well. They are taking advantage of the freedom of expression and conducting public activities after August 5, last year. 

Seeing the current government’s situation, one feels helpless towards them. Especially the inaction, neutrality, and inefficiency of the Religious Advisor and the Home Advisor are largely responsible for the recklessness of these religious groups and organizations. They are constantly attacking shrines. People of different views are being expelled from mosques and madrasas. They are also supporting rapists and child molesters because of their similar views. 

Jamaat-e-Islam, Chhatra Shibir, Hizb-ut-Tahiri are now doing public work. They are trying to gain people’s support in the name of religion. I would say that they are in the news a lot because their activists are entrenched in almost all the media in Bangladesh. It does not seem that they will get social acceptance. This is because the people of Bangladesh believe in the liberal morality shown by the Sufis.

A new students’ rainbow coalition has been formed in Dhaka. Will they fight the coming elections? How strong are their chances? Are they popular?

The big political parties of Bangladesh are breaking their promises. Most people are upset due to vengeful politics. They want the rise of new forces. The students are trying to take that opportunity. 

The students’ party is preparing for the elections. The main obstacles in the way of their prospects are the internal policies of the two larger parties, and their grassroots leaders and activists. Both BNP and Jamaat are big threats to the new party of the students. Although the central leaders of both the parties have openly shown sympathy for the students’ party, their leaders and workers are playing the role of opponents. And the election culture of Bangladesh has been quite corrupted in the last few years. It seems that the bureaucrats supporting both BNP and Jamaat in the administration will not be kind to the students’ party. 

There is also a fear of the use of violence and force. Many popular individuals in Bangladesh did not get the attention they deserve in earlier elections. Therefore, popularity is not the main issue.

Will Khaleda Zia make a comeback?

The people of Bangladesh are optimistic about Khaleda Zia and her party forming a government. Although there were many complaints about the party in the past, everyone currently considers BNP to be the only party ready to run the country as a whole. I also think so. 

There is no question of Jamaat-Shibir coming to power. They are unsafe for the country and the nation. And the people have not forgotten their role in 1971.

Will Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League be allowed to contest the upcoming elections?

I think Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League will not get a chance to compete in the upcoming elections. However, since there is no one who has the final say in the dynamics of power and politics, it’s hard to say what the final scene will be.