Violence should be discarded from politics

Recently, I was reading a quote by African-American civil rights movement leader Martin Luther King. According to him, "Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence, but also the internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him."

This is just the opposite of what has been the situation of politics in Bangladesh for decades.

Even the last month witnessed clashes between police and opposition activists in Dhaka. Even the rival factions of the ruling party also engaged in clashes in different areas. These incidents occur due to the lack of tolerance in the country's politics that is really shameful.

Violence has many disadvantages for individuals, communities and even nations. So many lives are lost or maimed - thus devastating hundreds of families. These lives could have helped in the progress of the economy.

As the country moves towards the next general election, the political leaders and activists will hopefully no longer resort to violence, unrest and chaos. They should try to uphold the spirit of democracy peacefully. Government and opposition should also show inclination towards peace and non-violence shunning the path of aggression and enmity.

Saiful Islam

Baridhara DOHS, Dhaka