government looks increasingly like a regime in utter fear and paranoia. It seems to have developed phobia of certain individuals. I use the word phobia here simply because the governments fear seems to have become persistent and shows no sign of abating. We all know who these individuals are but what is absolutely intriguing is the fact that an elected government of a country feel threatened by them. The governments phobia of Professor Muhammad Yunus seems to have reached a pinnacle with him being touted as an astute politician and being pigeonholed as an individual embarking on a global mission to destroy Bangladesh. Yunus does not only represent an institution but in most global forums he represents Bangladesh, and that too as a country respected for ever improving social indicators and a shining example in forwarding empowerment of women. One might simply ask: what is it about Yunus that makes the government so insecure? Apart from the fact that he created an institution that is being emulated and replicated in various parts of the world, Yunus himself is the most recognisable Bangladeshi today. While most of the western world
might not be aware of the achievements and
failures of the Bangladesh government, they are well aware of the achievements of Yunus and his Grameen Bank model. That is where I believe the real problem lies. In our current political culture characterised by ego and sycophancy, one is led to believe recognition can be obtained rather easily. While Yunus dedicated most of his working life to create an institution based on certain principles, the AL government seems to implicitly project that their achievements in developing the nation is far greater. First and foremost, if the government of a country, elected by the people to serve the nation with all possible resources at its disposal, wants to compare itself to a citizen who has achieved something reverential for the nation, it could only be interpreted as a manifestation of the governments lack of confidence in its own achievements. Secondly, if the government in reality believe that it has made substantial progress and notable developments benefiting the nation, inability to project this particular image on to the world stage is the failure of the governments publicity machinery and no fault of Yunus. It is evident that the insecurity lies within the government and Yunus phobia is just an expression of it. If the fixation with Yunus was not enough,
resurfacing of the BNP senior vice-chairperson
Tarique Rahman in the public media seems to have now given birth to a renewed fear and obsession for the government. Its initial reaction was to issue a warrant through Interpol to enable his repatriation from the United Kingdom where he is currently residing. Although the matter is still pending, the Awami League governments actions clearly show that it now fears a possible rejuvenation and mobilisation of the main opposition with Tarique visible again. The recent results in the city corporation polls are not helping the matter either. The governments next most likely course of action would be to indulge in further character assassination of Tarique Rahman and expedite trial of the cases against him. However, such practices are not likely to yield anything. The only way of redemption for the government at this point is simply delivering on the issues of national importance but so far we have only seen them opening several unnecessary fronts, on which they cannot fight. If the Awami League government remains increasingly paranoid about the organisation, regrouping and future leadership of its main opposition, it is already in essence admitting defeat and failure. While the BNP has made it blatantly clear that it sees Tarique Rahman as the future chief
of the party, it is up to the people decide how far he
will go. Hijacking Grameen Bank is not likely to yield anything positive for the future either and in recent times we have seen Professor Yunus come up with some sharp replies to certain statements made about him by several members of the government. If the Awami League is to salvage anything at the end of its tenure it needs to break out of this phobia and focus on governance itself. However, time seems to be running out and they are showing no signs of backing down. Israfil Khosru is a businessman and runs a youth led think-tank called The Bangladeshi.