Well I’m finally stumped for words. A party affiliated president, now
has the triple roles of president, head of the military and head of
the ‘neutral’ caretaker government. While rumours of a military
takeover abound, and the prime minister’s son threatens that they will
not go to the streets ’empty handed’, the news that the leader of the
opposition has not threatened immediate protests, but has rather opted
to see how the new head of the caretaker government conducts himself,
is a healthy sign. Too many lives have already been lost.
A lot of changes need to take place to erase the mistrust created. A
genuinely non partisan group of advisers need to be selected, the
election commission and the voters list, both clearly not neutral,
need to be changed, and he has to clearly demonstrate that he is no
longer a puppet. Unlikely based on his track record, but one can hope.
Given the current mood, another sham election will surely light the
fuse.
Shahidul Alam
29th October. Dhaka
Clashes between opposition and Jamaat due to demand for neutral head of caretaker government. (upload incomplete)
Above photographs taken on 28th October 2006 by Shahidul Alam.
And today 29th October 2006, a party affiliated president, makes himself president, head of military and head of ‘neutral’ caretaker government. Today’s photographs taken by Shehab Uddin. No unauthorised copying of any kind. To publish these or high res images, contact library@drik.net. More pictures and text to follow.
I hope things will get back to some form of normalcy as soon as possible. The people’s voice must prevail to ensure a just democratic system is established with a sizeable opposition to provide a check and balance…. without any more spill of blood.
I can’t believe it’s come to this. I hope life in general for every day people is not being affected too much. Though, it looks like it has been.
I forwaded your report to a relative in Dhaka – he had this to say:
We have passed some horrific days in Dhaka for the last few days. Just after Eid Dhaka was virtually cut up from from all areas of Bangladesh as opposition “Awami League” called for Hartal on the Last day of the ruling “BNP”. On that day Dhaka was like a battle ground and small riots were taking place everywhere between the two major political parties. In that Night whole city was turned into ghost city as nobody came out from their homes due to fear. Next two days remained same. Now situation improved but any time things may turn out different. So far we are all right but things may rapidly deteriorate as election days are approaching.
Such a sad turn of events. Your photos and story are about all that reaches us here, as the Western media has no interest in it apparently. Now if they had oil, it might be different. Keep up the excellent work.
Ya Haqq!
Hi Shahidul,
Greetings to you from Pondicherry. Can you send me a message to my g mail address? dominicsansoni@gmail.com I have some good news for you! Cheers
Dom