Name game
Traditionally, Bangladeshis have a penchant for symbolism. Names, metaphors, slogans have always got precedence over substance. It is an integral part of Bengali psyche and history is replete with such examples. But the present cause of concern among the people lies elsewhere: it is the name changing of public places which worries them. Now people can easily understand that these are not done to show any respect to any of their leaders but to demean them.
The present government has changed the name of Zia International Airport defying opposition from many quarters. The previous caretaker government changed the name of the only frigate of Bangladesh Navy. Before that Khaleda Zia's government changed many names given by the previous Awami League government, thereby, rendering this name changing spree a notorious perpetuity.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and President Ziaur Rahman have their own places in history. They are not among us today, but unfortunately some of their so called admirers and their own flesh and blood are bringing them back to this earth and knowingly or unknowingly maligning them.
Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia came to politics under very tragic and extraordinary circumstances. Yet both earned huge popularity among their supporters and have become prime minister more than once. But, sadly, from the very beginning they are involved in the politics of contention and vendetta.
They may find some solace by taking such revenge against each other, but by doing so they are definitely keeping violence alive. That is the tragic outcome of this mindless exercise.
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