Firm warning against criminality in politics

The Radda MCH-FP health centre had long been the main source of healthcare for poor and low-income people across a large part of the capital. The humanitarian institution was recently attacked by a group of terrorists late at night. A group of vested interests was behind the attack, with the aim of grabbing the health centre’s land. Political motives were also at play behind the incident.

Following the incident, reserved Women’s Seat MP Ferdousi Ahmed Misti resigned at the direction of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. Those who allegedly orchestrated the incident from behind the scenes are also being brought to justice. A retired army officer has already been arrested, reportedly known as a “cookie” of a particular political party. The name of the brother of an MP from the same party has also surfaced in connection with the Radda incident.

Health is a fundamental right of the people. Likewise, law and order are an essential feature of a civilised society. The state of law and order is one of the key indicators of a government’s popularity. People want not only food to eat twice a day but also the right to sleep safely at night. That is why security is considered no less important than food, clothing and shelter.

The BNP has consistently played a committed role in establishing the rule of law. Its contribution to the party’s popularity is undeniable. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman took an uncompromising stance to ensure people’s freedom to live their lives peacefully. Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s leader, formed the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to control law and order.

RAB has demonstrated notable success in combating terrorism. Positive improvements have been observed in the country’s law-and-order situation. Snatching and robbery appeared to come to an end almost as if by Aladdin’s magic lamp. Following the path of Shaheed Zia and Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has also introduced a culture of treating anyone who violates law and order as a criminal, regardless of who they are. Whenever allegations are raised against anyone, he is being held accountable. No leniency is being shown if anyone from the party becomes involved in wrongdoing.

A message has been conveyed to the relevant quarters of the government that there will be no compromise with criminality. In the Radda incident, a reserved-seat MP has already been forced to resign. Police have identified at least 30 people allegedly involved in the wrongdoing and are making every effort to arrest them. If they fail to do so, the law-enforcement agencies will also have to answer for it.

Several members of the ruling BNP, Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal have already been expelled from their respective organisations for allegedly being involved in extortion and land grabbing. Various efforts are underway to arrest them. Honest and dedicated leaders and activists of the ruling party view the decision to expel unruly elements with relief. They say those involved in violations of law and order and criminal activities are a burden on the image of the party and its affiliated organisations. They must be brought to justice.

Since the government’s popularity depends to a considerable extent on law and order, those considered a threat must be firmly dealt with. Anti-social elements should have no connection whatsoever with politics. Those involved in criminal activities under the guise of politics must be stopped at any cost.

Those who are eager to use the ruling party as a means of enriching themselves by imitating the fascists have already entered difficult times. If they surrender to the mentality of “let us loot as much as we can”, merely expelling them from the party will not be enough. Calls to bring them to justice are also growing within the BNP and its affiliated organisations.

The Prime Minister’s zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of power should serve as a warning to the unruly elements. His stance against wrongdoing has made an impact on public opinion and will encourage the ruling party to uphold greater integrity.

History shows that accountable leadership ensures public welfare. The BNP is a mass organisation, and anyone has the opportunity to become a member of the party. Preventing people with ulterior motives from infiltrating a mass organisation is genuinely difficult. But when someone abuses power to build their own fortune by abandoning the party’s ideals, there is no alternative to taking stern action against them.

The Prime Minister is trying to follow that path. His decision to take a firm stance against criminality, following in the footsteps of his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, three-time Prime Minister and national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, deserves appreciation.

Such a culture is followed in all developed democratic countries around the world. People always expect politicians to behave responsibly. The determination not to spare anyone who commits wrongdoing, regardless of who they are, is a commendable effort to respect public expectations.

The objective of politics is public welfare. Naturally, political leaders and activists must have a willingness to make sacrifices for the people. Ethics is of immense importance in politics and should form the foundation of leadership.

The reserved-seat MP has tarnished the dignity of her office by becoming involved in the Radda incident—or by providing patronage to those involved in the wrongdoing. In developed countries, when someone becomes involved in irregularities or criminal activities, political parties do not take responsibility for their actions. Instead, the offender faces strict punishment.

If this principle followed in developed countries can be introduced in our country, good governance will be ensured. Strong action against those who violate party discipline, particularly those involved in extortion and land grabbing, will enhance the image of the ruling party.

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We know that accountability is the cornerstone of democratic governance. Those who have the audacity to attack a healthcare centre or any public welfare institution do not deserve to identify themselves as leaders or activists of a political party. It is a heinous crime.

After allegations emerged that a reserved-seat MP was involved in such a crime, the Prime Minister directed her to resign. It must be acknowledged that the outgoing MP’s contribution to the party was not insignificant. Her family had faced difficult circumstances during the fascist regime. She lost her husband at the hands of criminals from the opposing camp. That is why she was made a reserved-seat MP.

But there can be no compromise when it comes to the rule of law. Whatever her past contributions may have been, the stain that the Radda incident has placed on her reputation cannot be accepted by the party. This proves that no criminal, regardless of who they are, will be allowed to escape accountability.

If the Radda incident contributes to the development of clean politics in the country, it will be a major achievement. Those involved in politics must understand that power is not something to be enjoyed for personal benefit. Viewing it in such a way will only bring about their own downfall.

Political power is a sacred responsibility and a trust. When a public representative betrays that trust, they lose their place in the hearts of the people.

Keeping such an office-holder in the party leadership is tantamount to placing a heavy burden on the party. The Prime Minister has carefully sought to avoid such a path. By directing MP Misti to resign, he has also sent a strong message against arrogance and abuse of power.

The writer is a former information and research secretary of the BNP