A withering nation?

Following the latest regime change in Bangladesh, troubling trends like government's inaction on religious vandalism, rising extremism, and growing proximity to Pakistan have emerged

- SHANTANU MUKHARJI

Following the regime change in Bangladesh in early August, the initial euphoria is soon evaporating and before the dust could settle, the indications do not seem very encouraging, nor do they suggest any promise or positivity in the near future. It could be giving a feeling of ecstasy to the religious hardliners on former Prime Minister Hasina's exit but for the liberals, seculars and progressives, it's a matter of concern and, in fact, for all the mature and well-wishers of Bangladesh, the emerging trends are of grave concern. There are sound reasons for this argument.

First and foremost is the complete condoning of the irrational and mindless acts by vandals. For example, many Sufi Shrines or Dargahs are being denigrated and hammered to destruction. The districts of Gazipur and Sylhet were the most recent targets, where a number of old and sacred shrines were demolished. The entire act of vandalism was duly video recorded and is being circulated with immense sadism and perversion. Not a word of condemnation has come from any advisor in the new government, let alone from the chief advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This complete silence implies the government's indirect complicity in such acts. There are also no signs yet of arresting this disturbing trend, which is hurting the religious sentiments of many believers of Sufism and moderates.

Other developments causing concern to many pacifists include the resurgence of the dreaded Hizbut Tahrir, Bangladesh, which has been proscribed since 2009 during the Hasina regime. The outfit, notoriously known for brainwashing youth into religious extremism, now wants the ban lifted. Many analysts still hold the view that it was Hizbut Tahrir that was singularly responsible for indoctrinating the youth who carried out the lethal terror attack at Dhaka's Holey Artisan Bakery on July 1, 2016. There were several other acts of terror executed by this outfit, according to knowledgeable security experts.