Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Fear is spreading among the Bangladeshi population over continued violence that, from January 5 to today, has already killed at least 24 people and injured hundreds more. Msgr. Gervas Rozario, Bishop of Rajshahi and vice president of the Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh, spoke to AsiaNews of "deep concern", explaining that "the political situation of the country is at a tragic turning point. With independence, we thought we would be freed from repression and exploitation of Pakistani rulers. But our leaders are no better".
Violence was
set ablaze on January 5, when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP, leader of
the opposition) called a national strike, to protest last year's highly
contested general elections. However, the government - led by Awami
League - banned the protests, exacerbating the situation even more.
The latest incident happened yesterday in Dhaka (the capital). A group of
people launched a Molotov cocktail against a bus, in the district of Khejurbagan.
Two students of Eden Mohila College suffered heavy burns, while two others were
injured in an attempt to jump out the window of the vehicle. Dozens of people
were admitted to the burn center of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
"The Awami
League - the prelate underlined to AsiaNews
- continues to use logic of obstinacy, while the BNP responds in its own insane
manner. This is neither politics nor democracy. There can be no democracy where
the people and the politicians are immature and ignorant".
"Bangladesh - Msgr. Rozario - needs leaders and rulers of noble virtues,
patriotic, good-hearted, with a moral sense and love for their own people. Not
'designated royalty' who sacrifice the people to preserve their power and their
privileges".
The "real
designated" referred to by the bishop are Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister
and leader of Awami League, and Khaleda Zia, the BNP leader and former Prime
Minister. "The members of their parties - he said - are blind supporters.
If there is no democracy among themselves, how they can achieve peace in the
country? This farce shames us".
According to the Vice President of the Episcopal Conference, to avoid the
deadlock, "the government should have allowed the opposition to
demonstrate publicly on January 5, obviously guarding with caution and care.
The BNP has a long history of conspiracy and sabotage, but I do not think it
would do anything subversive. "
At the same time, "the BNP should also understand that others have the
same democratic rights that it claims. If people want, they can join the BNP,
and then the government will fall. But the people have the right to live in security,
peace and tranquility. People have the right to support the BNP, as well as not
to. The opposition cannot force or terrorize people. "