Online Desk //

Dr. Mahdi Amin, advisor to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, has made an extensive analysis of what the new political settlement means. The post written on his own Facebook status on Wednesday is reproduced in full.

What does the new political settlement mean? Under this title, this researcher from Cambridge University wrote, ‘Spreading disinformation and propaganda for petty political interests? Running a hate campaign against those who were the most victims of disappearances, murders, attacks and cases during fascism?’

‘The formation of a new party from within the interim government, the controversial sponsorship and financing, the role of the July mass uprising, the partisanization of Spirit and Credit, or the manipulated extension of the term of an unelected president — none of these are certainly new political arrangements!’

Mahdi Amin further writes, ‘The new political arrangement should mean decency, respect, and coexistence — which prevails among most activists, but there are some exceptions, which are not desirable. Not everyone may agree with someone’s perspective or policies, this is the beauty of democracy. But that does not mean that that person or his ideology should be harassed or propagated.’

‘By new political arrangement, we mean being with the people, standing by the people. Reflecting the aspirations of the people in running the party and the country, solving the problems of their lives. The people are the source of all political power — to hold it and ensure the involvement and representation of the people in running the state as a vehicle for that power.’

‘And therefore, despite differences of opinion, there needs to be an opportunity for constructive discussion, criticism, and review. However, if it is an attempt to impose force, online mob culture, or planned character assassination, it becomes a sign of dictatorship.’

At the end of the Facebook status, he wrote, ‘To move Bangladesh forward after fascism, positive and progressive politics and inclusive and tolerant policies are needed. If we all establish a united and democratic Bangladesh instead of going towards division and discrimination, that will be a reflection of the aspirations of the mass uprising.’

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