S.H.KHOKA HISTORY

Mayor's faux pas

A dangerous case of misuse of Bangabandhu's name


Dipakendranath Das, chairman of Rajshahi Education Board, had to leave the city under circumstances that raise a flurry of questions in the public mind. Mr. Das is reported to have exposed himself to the wrath of the city mayor by not granting an undue favour to the latter.


The most regrettable and condemnable aspect of the story is that the mayor -- apparently after failing get his daughter's grading at the HSC exam improved -- decided to go flat-out after the reportedly none-too-abiding Mr. Das. And the beleaguered man was charged with not observing August 15, the National Mourning Day, in a befitting manner! While a lot of imagination went into making the accusation against the man who had apparently stuck to a principled position, matters were made worse when the supporters of the mayor arranged a meeting to brand Mr Das as a corrupt official!


It seems that the mayor has a retaliatory streak, but what he should have been introspective before making such an unjustified request. And what is of even greater concern is the attempt to divert everybody's attention from the matter at hand by saying that Mr. Das had not done enough to observe August 15.


Indeed, using Bangabandhu's name to serve personal or group interest has become something of a pastime lately. A section of ruling party activists used August 15 to collect donations from people which actually amounted to extortion in certain cases. The prime minister and the Awami League should wary about such indiscretion and prevent AL activists from doing anything that could only tarnish his image. It is also a question of upholding the principles that Bangabandhu stood for all his life. Extortion, manipulation and coercion are things that even unwittingly allowed could damage party's image.


The hazards associated with overlooking or acquiescing in such strident political activities are too many. Obviously, if misdeeds are sought to be sanctified in the name of Bangabandhu, it is the rule of law that is a casualty. An individual may stoop low in the mistaken belief that he could do as he wills, but a political party, with all its commitment to the people and a mandate for change must lead the way by exemplifying respect for rule and law.

RIPON ALL MAMUN,

RAJSHAHI.