We have seen the use of various weapons to defeat the opponent during the tenure of the Awami League, and ignoring suggestions from newspapers and civil society could not stop authoritarianism. But it would be unfortunate if this government also moves towards banning “political parties”.
Before coming to power, the BNP had often said that they were not in favor of banning political parties, especially through executive orders. But it will be disappointing if after coming to power they get involved in passing laws banning the activities of political parties. Can anyone tell whether people in power will one day find themselves on that platform under the ambit of this ban?
We want that the real murderers of the massacre that happened in July should be punished after investigation. Also, if Awami League does not reform itself by taking lessons from the mass revolt, then the party will self-destruct, not by imposing ‘ban’. We want everyone to return to democratic liberal political behavior. Let people take responsibility for deciding how they want to restrict the party. In this way, instead of demonstrating the power of power, choose the voting grounds and decide which party will remain and which will be destroyed.
#Nadim Mahmood is a researcher at the University of California.
*Email: [email protected]
#These opinions are those of the author only.
#This article, originally published in Prothom Alo online edition, has been rewritten in English by Rabiul Islam