Culture of violence and hartal
The young generation (especially the students at the tertiary level) is being spoiled by the political culture, by encouraging violence and obstructions (hartal). The latest news is that violence has come out of the campus, and riots took place at the International Trade Fair, as the police interfered with the activities like petty thefts from the stalls and teasing of the girls visiting the Fair. Violent demonstrations are becoming a part of our culture, and the student groups think themselves to be above the law (like the politicians). This is due to the absence of established institutions in new Bangladesh since 1971. We had no experience of running a central government; and the masses were suffering from the fatigue of the nine-month long liberation war. The political leaders live in the past, and do not apply mass psychology in their political strategies. Bangladesh today is isolated from its neighbouring countries. It is a social and cultural crime to spoil the young generation who will rule the country in the near future. Inward-looking national leaders are a disservice to the nation. We cannot get rid of them (they overstay) as the majority of the voters live a marginal life; and corrupt practices have made a small section of the population rich and powerful. This feudal attitude has to go. Dirty politics has become a national liability. It is the mental attitude of the have-not minds. The opposition is not contributing to national welfare (boycotting of parliament by successive opposition parties). Time is at standing still for four decades. There is no end to our frustrations.
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