'Red card' for BNP

24 August 1954. D. Eisenhower the 34th president of the United States, signed an exceptional law known as the "Communist Party Control Act." Through this Act the Communist Party was banned in the United States. there was a fierce debate about whether it was permissible to ban a political party nationally in a country that valued freedom of expression. However, the law argued in favor, saying that "democracy and terrorism cannot coexist. In democratic politics, there is no path to change the government other than through elections." Many sections of this 1954 law have been repealed over the years and numerous states have also invalidated it. However, the law is still in effect. According to this law, one of the world's leading democratic countries prohibits the Communist Party. Not only the United States. The United States is not alone in this. Many countries around the world have banned or are banning political parties that support or engage in terrorism, violate the constitution, or pose a threat to the state. In many countries, even after a political party becomes extremely popular, it loses the right to organize for fostering terrorism. One such neighboring country of the United States is Canada. In 1940, the radical right-wing political party 'National Unity Party' was banned in that country for the same reason, supporting extremism and terrorism. In the world's largest democracy, India, more than 40 organizations have been banned. All of these banned organizations are associated with terrorism. The Communist Party of India (Maoist), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, the People's Liberation Army, the Popular Front of India, and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, among other organizations, challenge the integrity and sovereignty of India. Therefore, these organizations are banned. Bhutan is a country of peace. But in the 1980s, it experienced political unrest and violence. During that time, the Bhutan People's Party became popular, but it was eventually banned. Even today, Bhutan People's Party remains prohibited. In 2003, the Communist Party in Bhutan was also banned and there are allegations of militant activities associated with that organization. The Cambodia National Rescue Party started violent political activities to overthrow the government in Cambodia in 2017. The Rescue Party was banned on various charges, including allegations of encouraging terrorism in politics. In the past, there were instances of political parties being banned in Egypt in 2014 on charges of violating the constitution and involvement in terrorism, including the "Anti-Coup Alliance" and the "Independent Party." Many political parties have been banned in Egypt at various times. Since the Second World War, all political parties in Germany that have associations with Nazi ideology have been banned. If a political party is found to have even the slightest sympathy for Nazism, it is immediately banned. Three such political parties were banned in 1992. These parties were the German Alternative, National Offensive, and the Nationalist Front. The German Workers Party was also banned in 1995 on similar charges. In 2018, the Hong Kong National Party was banned on allegations of terrorist activities. Due to their radical right-wing politics, the Saint Party was banned in the Netherlands in 1998. There are many similar examples like these.

Let's talk about Bangladesh now. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP is undoubtedly one of the most popular political organizations in the country. However, from its inception, this political organization has been in violation of the country's constitution, democracy and laws. The foundation of the BNP is inherently illegal, unconstitutional and a hindrance to the fundamental consciousness of the Bangladeshi state. BNP was created in the cantonment. The founder of this party violated the constitution, seized power unlawfully. The party should have been banned as soon as democratic rule was restored in the country. However, that did not happen. This party won the National Assembly elections twice in 1991 and 2001. However, BNP has violated the constitution even while in power. They have supported terrorism and endorsed extremism. In October 2001, after winning the elections, they chose a ruthless path to suppress the opposition, using Nazi-like tactics. They unleash demonic rampages on minorities and innocent people. BNP’s involvement in the grenade attack on August 21, 2004 is now proven in court and the party should have been banned solely for this crime. Although the state did not show a red card to BNP, the people of the country clearly showed a yellow card to BNP in the 2008 elections. But still, the BNP did not learn its lesson. Before the 2013 elections, the BNP once again resorted to violence, burning and vandalizing across the country, and choosing the path of arson and terrorism. For the same crime the United States banned the Communist Party by law in 1954. Bhutan People's Party was banned in Bhutan in 1990 for the same offense. In 2014 the Independent Party was banned in Egypt for the same offense that the BNP had committed in 2013 and 2014. However, the government couldn't take constitutional action against the BNP at that time. This reflects the government's failure.

Many had assumed that after the so-called 2015 movement, the BNP would change its approach. They would feel that the people of this country do not favor violent and destructive politics. After the 2018 election, the BNP chose the path of peaceful protest. From 2022, the party continued to protest against the government through peaceful gatherings, meetings and various programs. However, on October 28, the BNP proved that they are indeed a terrorist party. The BNP has not learned from its past and it has not changed much. They seek to oust an elected government not through the ballot but through acts of terror and arson. A video of a member of the police force is being brutally beaten to death is now circulating on the social media. Those responsible for the attack are all associated with the local leaders of the BNP. Their identities are not hidden. Everyone knows their names and addresses. Watching the video will make anyone's heart tremble and will haunt anyone's nightmares. When you see the scene of that innocent person's child crying, you won't be able to hold back your emotions. No one can tolerate this crime. The way BNP leaders and activists stormed Rajarbagh Police Hospital is astonishing. Not too long ago, Israel attacked a hospital in Gaza in a similar manner. That attack was condemned as a crime against humanity. The world was shocked by Israel's aggression. The BNP has committed the same crime by attacking a hospital. It is a heinous crime. Through this attack, the BNP has lost its political rights. The Chief Justice of the country is the guardian of the constitution, the head of the judiciary. An institution. When an attack occurs at the residence of the Chief Justice, it is an assault on the constitution. If any political party attacks the constitution, it is considered a violation of the constitution, an act of treason. A treasonous organization cannot exist in any independent country.

In a democratic state, the presence of multiple political parties with varying ideologies is normal. These parties will hold and advocate for different political beliefs. Their thoughts, consciousness, and ideals will shape public opinion. Different political parties will present their views to the people. The majority of the population will support the political party whose agenda they prefer, and they will cast their votes in elections. Those who win the people's votes will form the government. Those who cannot form the government will scrutinize the government's performance. They will point out mistakes and work to improve. This is the essence of democracy. Beating the police like snakes, setting hospitals on fire, or causing harm to innocent people is not politics; it is terrorism. Such acts of terrorism will not stop unless strict measures are taken against them. Terrorism and democratic politics cannot coexist. The main enemy of democracy is terrorism.

On October 28, the BNP has proven that they are a terrorist organization. Just like in sports, there are rules to follow. If you don't follow the rules, you are shown a red card. Similarly, in politics, there are rules to abide by. If the rules and laws are followed a political party must also face consequences. BNP received a yellow card in 2008. Their crimes on October 28 are alarming. They no longer deserve just a warning (yellow card). A red card is a must for them.

Syed Borhan Kabir, Executive Director, Poriprekkhit

Email: poriprekkhit@yahoo.com