"In the empty political field, religious fundamentalism."

"Amid political vacuum, radical, religious fundamentalist forces are once again becoming active. Despite this, the avowedly secular Awami League government remains silent. Because even they are now enjoying the convenience of appeasing religious politics."

Many people are saying that there is no politics in the country now. Some are saying that there is no democracy. It seems like the Awami League is ruling the country with an iron grip through elections. The BNP is on the path of self-destruction. The Nationalist Party is struggling to maintain its existence. Jamaat-e-Islami is in hiding. Leftist parties occasionally make futile attempts in politics. In the absence of politics, radical, religious, and extremist forces are becoming active once again. They are very active on digital platforms and have a presence in the streets and fields. Extremists are trying to reawaken religious fanaticism. They want to ignite the fire of unrest by misinterpreting the peaceful religion of Islam. They demand the destruction of sculptures and label some as infidels, heretics, or atheists. They distort the teachings of the Quran and Hadith and manipulate the history of Islam. However, the avowedly secular Awami League government remains silent. They, too, have found the convenience of appeasing religious politics. While the Awami League's strategy to control religious extremism may yield immediate benefits, in the long run, it may not spare anyone. With an unchallenged position in the third consecutive term, this party may not be considering the consequences of this transformation.

The use of religion in politics in the Awami League's leadership in the country began in 1996 during the struggle for independence. To return to power after losing to the BNP after 21 years, the same skill is required. What started has not ended. Sometimes it's visible, sometimes hidden, sometimes subtle in its skillful application of religion in politics. Even the Awami League accuses the BNP of being sympathetic to religious extremists, despite using them to strengthen their own position. Even after crushing the BNP, this accusation continues. Those who have supported and benefited the BNP will never become Awami League supporters. The elderly can give them temporary peace. That's what's happening now. But what is the exchange for this peace? The existence of the Bengali nation? In exchange for all the achievements of independence? In exchange for a secular, non-communal society? In exchange for a modern, scientific, knowledge-based social consciousness? Is it possible to advance in digital Bangladesh by appeasing religious fanatic groups? Can we build the Golden Bengal that Bangabandhu dreamed of without exploitation? Even if you feed a snake with milk and bananas, it will still bite. Extremists are more dangerous than venomous snakes. Today, religious and political extremist forces are the biggest enemies in the world.

Let's talk about the issue of political instability in the country. If we look closely, we can find politics in the television talk shows. It's all about political blame games, accusations, and counter-accusations. In this era of an ineffective parliament, this seems to be the main political discourse, if not less! Just last week, fires were set on buses in nine locations in Dhaka. This incident has brought the blame game in politics to the forefront. After a long time, city residents saw bus fires. Vandalism and arson, along with setting fire to vehicles, were once regular occurrences. Strikes, blockades, protests, and gatherings were centered around political agendas and such incidents used to happen regularly.

In 2014, during the 93-day blockade called by the BNP-Jamaat alliance, the country witnessed the frightening "fire terrorism." People have seen numerous incidents of arson and vandalism during the continuous strikes called by the BNP-Jamaat alliance against the Awami League government. However, the most significant incidents of arson and vandalism took place during the anti-autocracy movement against General Ershad. It wasn't just limited to a single year, but these activities continued even after the fall of autocracy. Back then, both the Awami League and the BNP indulged in vandalism and arson during their respective political programs. The "politics of burning and destruction" was what General Ershad referred to the politics of the opposition parties. On the other hand, many people considered arson and vandalism as effective tactics to counter autocracy. Even after the fall of autocracy, this type of politics did not stop.

Over the past decade or so, competitive politics and elections have become increasingly one-sided in the country. Everything seems to be moving in one direction. On one side, the Awami League is firmly in control of all powers, while on the other side, the BNP is losing ground due to leadership crises, flawed politics, and public disenchantment. However, amidst all this frustration, there are ordinary people who are in a state of tranquility. They are not getting involved in the political fire. They are not wielding the weapon of political power or getting embroiled in the vicious struggle for it. They do not want to be the instruments of fulfilling the political ambitions of some people.

Some people do not want to be the weapon of fulfilling someone's political aspirations. Whether in power or outside of it, some privileged individuals are not bringing anything to the people. So, does this mean that the country will remain without politics and democracy? Certainly not. Destructive and violent politics is not the alternative to political inactivity. The alternative lies in healthy and welfare-oriented politics. To address the problems of democracy, we need more democracy. The current political leadership in the country shows no signs of fulfilling that demand. The only expectation is a new leadership from a new generation. Perhaps, they will one day replace the cult of personality-driven and destructive politics with a politics that is focused on the welfare of the people.