Performing Hajj
We have seen the culture of going for Hajj and Umrah by our past national leaders and heads of state. Most of the citizens of Bangladesh remained unaware about the source of the money for making such pilgrimage. According to the principles of Islam, a person with adequate financial ability must go for Hajj once in his/her lifetime.
The expenses in such case comes from the person's own funds. Given the dire aftermath of the Sidr cyclone, political uncertainty, and the repeated outcry of the people for the rights of information, I think the top government functionaries could have postponed their pilgrimage for a year or so. Otherwise, they should publicly provide the monetary sources for making their pilgrimage this year. If they are using their personal funds for the pilgrimage to fulfil their religious obligations, then I think the people could construe their timing of making such pilgrimage as an inconsiderate act not taking into account the misery in the cyclone-hit regions. If the money is coming from government sources, then they have failed to make a real change in the government, as they themselves will be blamed for following what their predecessors had done. I think the nation expects them to serve the cause of the people during this crisis and would appreciate if they could postpone their pilgrimage for a year or so.
The nation deserves their uninterrupted attention in matters of national importance as they have taken the solemn oath to uphold national interest over their personal interests.
Are we going to see a meaningful change in the ways the government runs its business?
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