A new issue dominates political discussions
Friday, 20 May 2011
Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury
Political discussions, debates and gossips are the essential ingredients in a democratic polity and Bangladesh is no exception. Such elements in the political arena always exist, but at times these are quite dull and dreary. Then again, different new issues emerge and provide lively discussions even though such talks often lack seriousness. Many things are said in lighter vein, but not without a meaning. At times these meanings are also quite significant, so much so that the political pundits consider them worth mentioning, or even worth following! Nevertheless, some issues seem to have meaning or substance at a particular time or moment. Ramifications of such developments are qualitatively temporary, but have impact in the long term development or significance against the background of past experiences. Incidentally, the two main political figures of Bangladesh are now abroad on high profile visits. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has gone on an important trip that takes her to Geneva and some other places for attending international conferences and having bilateral discussions. She was just back from an important global conference on the least developed countries (LDC's) in Istanbul, Turkey, before she embarked on this sojourn. There is nothing extra-ordinary about the visit since these are in a way indispensable part of the functioning of the head of government of any country. But the absence of the prime minister from the country at this particular time is being discussed in the political and other circles in a context that is very seldom experienced .The leader of the opposition in parliament Begum Khaleda Zia is also away from the country at the same time on a trip to the United kingdom and the United States. Both the ladies are now not in the country, and probably it never happened before that they were abroad at the same time after acquiring the important status. Here, one particular expression comes into discussions not in a seriousness vein, but not devoid of political significance. All in this country are familiar with the terminology, "Minus Two" formula that came to be known during the last caretaker government and often figure in discussions even now. Whether there was really any bid to implement the much-talked about so-called "Minus two" concept (!) is a different matter. But there is no denying that this expression was used very intensely in the discussions and debates for a pretty long time during that particular phase. That is how we all are quite familiar with this terminology, which was never heard before in Bangladesh. The expression meant broadly that the country's politics is without the presence of two powerful politicians, who generally swap their positions in the government and the opposition. They are known to be great rivals of each other in the political arena. But their credit is both have the experiences of being the elected head of the government. Nonetheless, their bitterness and a sense of intolerance against each other are known widely. The extent of this mutual acrimony is such that it is also often said that this in a way is a reflection of "womanly" competition that typifies social environment, especially in Bangladesh. Some people may dispute this contention, but many would definitely agree that the level of intolerance is too deep. When one wins an election, other immediately calls the outcome a "rigged one," or, "result of conspiracy." It is hardly witnessed anywhere else. Look at the just concluded elections in West Bengal. Chief Minister Bhuddadev Bhattacharaya did not wait for the full results, but went to the Governor and tendered his resignation within hours of the announcement of the partial results when it was clear that his Left Front government was badly losing the balloting. In Bangladesh, this is simply unthinkable and more so when the two rival politicians are totally unwilling to extend any credit to the other. Then judging by past experiences, it is they who are set to rule this country alternatively. As it happened just by sheer co-incidence that the prime minister and the leader of the opposition are out of the country and that too by quite a few days in their standard of being away, it seems the "Minus Two" formula has been self-implemented! A political observer commented jokingly, "I am now seeing this formula - I did not know whether such a formula existed anytime before!" There is varying degrees of views on this "formula" and debates still rage, but never before Bangladesh was without both the ladies at the same time ever since they emerged as public leaders. zaglulbss@yahoo.com
Political discussions, debates and gossips are the essential ingredients in a democratic polity and Bangladesh is no exception. Such elements in the political arena always exist, but at times these are quite dull and dreary. Then again, different new issues emerge and provide lively discussions even though such talks often lack seriousness. Many things are said in lighter vein, but not without a meaning. At times these meanings are also quite significant, so much so that the political pundits consider them worth mentioning, or even worth following! Nevertheless, some issues seem to have meaning or substance at a particular time or moment. Ramifications of such developments are qualitatively temporary, but have impact in the long term development or significance against the background of past experiences. Incidentally, the two main political figures of Bangladesh are now abroad on high profile visits. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has gone on an important trip that takes her to Geneva and some other places for attending international conferences and having bilateral discussions. She was just back from an important global conference on the least developed countries (LDC's) in Istanbul, Turkey, before she embarked on this sojourn. There is nothing extra-ordinary about the visit since these are in a way indispensable part of the functioning of the head of government of any country. But the absence of the prime minister from the country at this particular time is being discussed in the political and other circles in a context that is very seldom experienced .The leader of the opposition in parliament Begum Khaleda Zia is also away from the country at the same time on a trip to the United kingdom and the United States. Both the ladies are now not in the country, and probably it never happened before that they were abroad at the same time after acquiring the important status. Here, one particular expression comes into discussions not in a seriousness vein, but not devoid of political significance. All in this country are familiar with the terminology, "Minus Two" formula that came to be known during the last caretaker government and often figure in discussions even now. Whether there was really any bid to implement the much-talked about so-called "Minus two" concept (!) is a different matter. But there is no denying that this expression was used very intensely in the discussions and debates for a pretty long time during that particular phase. That is how we all are quite familiar with this terminology, which was never heard before in Bangladesh. The expression meant broadly that the country's politics is without the presence of two powerful politicians, who generally swap their positions in the government and the opposition. They are known to be great rivals of each other in the political arena. But their credit is both have the experiences of being the elected head of the government. Nonetheless, their bitterness and a sense of intolerance against each other are known widely. The extent of this mutual acrimony is such that it is also often said that this in a way is a reflection of "womanly" competition that typifies social environment, especially in Bangladesh. Some people may dispute this contention, but many would definitely agree that the level of intolerance is too deep. When one wins an election, other immediately calls the outcome a "rigged one," or, "result of conspiracy." It is hardly witnessed anywhere else. Look at the just concluded elections in West Bengal. Chief Minister Bhuddadev Bhattacharaya did not wait for the full results, but went to the Governor and tendered his resignation within hours of the announcement of the partial results when it was clear that his Left Front government was badly losing the balloting. In Bangladesh, this is simply unthinkable and more so when the two rival politicians are totally unwilling to extend any credit to the other. Then judging by past experiences, it is they who are set to rule this country alternatively. As it happened just by sheer co-incidence that the prime minister and the leader of the opposition are out of the country and that too by quite a few days in their standard of being away, it seems the "Minus Two" formula has been self-implemented! A political observer commented jokingly, "I am now seeing this formula - I did not know whether such a formula existed anytime before!" There is varying degrees of views on this "formula" and debates still rage, but never before Bangladesh was without both the ladies at the same time ever since they emerged as public leaders. zaglulbss@yahoo.com