Pranab Vardhan in his article entitled 'United States of the Past' reminds us that the mantra of 'one country, one everything' by global rulers will in the long run harm the unity of the country. All these mantras, such as opposition-free 'one country, one party' or 'one country, one leader' are actually attempts to establish a dictatorship full of the stench of dictatorship.

Similarly, dictatorship seizes everything including power at one time by shouting 'my, my'. In the democratic sphere, monopolistic authority is gradually expanded by hypnotizing the people. Dictatorship, autocracy, fascism gradually grew in the arena of democracy. Even so, a democratically elected government, demanding democratic institutions, gradually axed all power. History is witness to many such examples. They are absolutely unsustainable and terrifying for a diverse democratic country.

It is really difficult and impossible in the social and political system to take everything under the control of 'me and us'. Let's take South Asia as an example. There are multiple divisions and diversities. Although division and diversity differ from country to country, division and diversity are realities though it is not really possible to grab everything as 'mine and us'. The consequences for those who wanted to be or became authoritarian by establishing occupation were dire and deadly. And those who tolerate division and accept diversity and bring everyone together are relatively successful.

Attempts to impose a single authority on the political trajectory of South Asian countries with the slogan of 'me and us' have failed time and again. Divided and diverse South Asia is a pluralistic region. Instead of authoritarianism and fascism, coordination and inclusiveness is the appropriate approach. Therefore, it is better for South Asian countries to follow such liberal and Universalist ideology, through which the ideology of the majority or majority-centric ideology can be prevented from becoming authoritarian and fascist.

Researcher Neeti Nair's book Heart Sentiments discusses these issues in detail. The book is enriched by the debates of different opinions and paths during the constitution making of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, various relevant legal and court-centered discourses. In a deftly styled yet informative manner, the author presents a new interpretation of secularism whose main point is that the state's state behavior and religion should not draw a wall between the two, nor is it sufficient to draw a distinction. There is a need to go back to the tradition of coexistence and harmony between different religious communities (and certainly different ideological groups). Being secular means fearlessly belonging to one's community and nation. At the same time to respect and recognize the existence and position of other communities and nations. This attitude must be applied to religion and community as well as politics.

But the reality is definitely different. Despite various efforts, the divisions and conflicts of the society and the conflicts in the political sphere have not been resolved. The tendency of the majority to become authoritarian and fascist could not be completely curbed. The behavior of the state has not been neutral, pluralistic and co-ordinated. During the crisis, the bloodshed of ideological battles, leadership duels and extreme moments of ethnic riots were visible in the countries of South Asia. The structure of governance and the walls of administration have been broken down by conflict and conflict. The terrible riots that broke out in India in the months following the demolition of the Babri Mosque exposed administrative and state failure. Dissidents and minorities are constantly attacked there. There has been a lot of bloodshed during the change of government in Sri Lanka. The struggle to overthrow the government in Bangladesh took the form of a bloody battlefield from the student movement. Opponents and opponents are brutally persecuted in Pakistan.

As a result, the ideal of coexistence is affected in South Asia, which is undergoing division and diversity. The integrated and collective political trajectory is more tragic and bloody. India's democratic and secular ideology has to shed tears every day to assert its helplessness in the face of religious authoritarianism. In Pakistan, the people have been yearning for democracy against party and military authoritarianism. In Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives, there is a fierce exhibition of factional competition, with which regional and international powers are intermingled.

In such a background, Bangladesh has to remember the fact every day that the existing division in the heart of the country and society has not been bridged at all. Mistrust between the political majority and the minority is still a major obstacle to nation building. Party positions, leadership disputes, ideological battles and conflicts of interest are major obstacles to peace and stability. There is no visible attempt to integrate division and diversity. Rather, even after the change of power, fierce competition for positions and power has spread from the administration to the university. The place of neutral and acceptable candidates is being taken by the politically victorious forces, which are essentially ghosts of the authoritarian and fascist past of making everything 'mine and ours'.

If the shadow of the ghost of the past is prolonged, how successful will the attempt to be united and free from the danger of authoritarianism and the dangers of fascism be? How safe can the program of nation building be? These are very important questions. Especially if it is not possible to develop the pluralist path of unity and harmony in the midst of division and diversity as a social path, the rule of the majority will continue and authoritarianism and fascism will continue the post will continue to increase gradually. Achieving the noble cause of reform and positive change may not be easy or possible unless political or ideological minority-statist divides are bridged and brought into credible rapprochement.

It is certainly true that long and complex problems are difficult to eradicate when their roots are deeply rooted. Especially if things like division and conflict exist at every level of the society; it is impossible to eliminate it in one day. Rather, mere ledger democracy without cultural improvement cannot ensure the coexistence of all. At least an atmosphere of coexistence has been created in liberal parliamentary democracy, but it needs to be furthered in various ways because coexistence depends on the discourse, discussion and dialogic practices and attitudes of the society. Starting that dialogue requires strong political neutrality and a liberal attitude. Focusing on how coexistence can be socially reinforced is really important in complex situations, rather than taking everything as a group consideration. Strengthening coexistence and stability in politics can be easy and possible only if new efforts are made for unity and coexistence by observing the history of friendship and enmity in politics and society.

Dr. Mahfuz Parvez, Associate Editor, Barta24.com; Professor and Chairman, Department of Political Science, University of Chattogram; Executive Director, Chattogram Center for Regional Studies, Bangladesh (CCRSBD).

Dhaka: Rohingyas are entering Bangladesh again as the conflict between the Arakan Army and the (AA) Myanmar Army escalates in Maungdaw suburb of Rakhine state and there are fears of another large-scale Rohingya infiltration.

The Rohingya feel that the current situation in Bangladesh and the opportunity to change the government have increased the intensity of attacks against them in Rakhine. Thousands of Rohingyas have left their homes and taken refuge in the areas around the Naf River bordering Bangladesh. About 40,000 Rohingyas are waiting to enter Bangladesh in different areas of Maungdaw suburb.

According to the Rohingyas, the AA has taken this strategy to eliminate the Rohingya population in Rakhine. The chairman of the Rohingya rights organization 'Arakan Society for Peace and Human Rights' believes that the Rohingyas are being exterminated in the conflict between the AA and the Myanmar army in Rakhine State and the international community needs strong intervention to stop this conflict. The Rohingya want the cooperation of the new government in Bangladesh and believe that political stability in Bangladesh will make it easier for them to garner international support.

The area bordering Bangladesh Myanmar is currently under the control of AA. In the ongoing situation, Rohingya and Rakhine people are suffering due to lack of relief aid. People are being denied essential aid due to Myanmar government restrictions. The junta government is not allowing relief aid to rebel groups to carry out their operations. Relief organizations have said that AA will help them if they bring relief directly from Bangladesh. In a statement on August 19, the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M), a relief agency made up of former UN officials, called on the AA to work with the Bangladesh government to open a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine state and allow aid to be delivered to all ethnic and religious communities in the state called for.

The Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh felt it necessary to liaison with the AA to initiate the process of repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

By establishing a safe zone in the border area under the control of the AA, arrangements can be made to temporarily keep the Rohingyas safe, the tendency of the Rohingyas to enter Bangladesh can be stopped. By creating a safe corridor and allowing international aid agencies to provide assistance to the distressed people of Rakhine, it is hoped that the situation there will be reduced. Many Rohingyas are being caught by the BGB while entering Bangladesh, after the BGB sent these Rohingyas back to Myanmar; about 18,000 Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh since June. In exchange for money, brokers are helping many Rohingya infiltrate, they are said to be charging Tk. 20,000 to Tk. 30,000 per head. The BGB is countering Rohingya infiltration along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and has stepped up surveillance to ensure that no criminals escape across the border. The Rohingya infiltrators have already been listed in which camps.

At present, there has been renewed unrest in Rohingya camps. Members of the Arakan Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Arakan Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) have been inciting shelling and unrest to maintain dominance over Rohingya camps. According to the local Rohingyas, these shootings are happening because of extortion money from Rohingyas newly arrived from Myanmar. Rohingyas marched in the camp and Arsa members announced resistance to the RSO. More than 14 terrorist groups of Rohingya, including RSO and Arsa, entered the camp after evening and carried out terrorist activities.

Security analysts have expressed concern about the inactivity of Rohingya armed groups inside Bangladesh. As the situation is not normal, the activities of more than half a hundred NGOs associated with service activities have come to a standstill. Along with the Rohingyas, the officers and employees of various organizations working in the camp are suffering from insecurity. Additional APBN has been deployed inside the Rohingya camp to bring the situation under control.

Due to the delay in repatriation, terrorism and criminal activities are increasing day by day in the Rohingya camps. By being associated with drug trafficking, smuggling and other criminal activities, they are putting pressure on themselves and the security situation of Bangladesh. Being in this country for a long time, the Rohingyas are getting involved in arms and drug trade, and have built up stockpiles of illegal weapons in the camps. Currently, the Rohingya camps have become a source of various concerns, including drug and arms trafficking as well as security threats. Rohingya camps have become drug arenas. About 10 thousand Rohingya are involved in these terrorist activities.

In the last seven years, 3 thousand 776 people were accused in 2 thousand 479 drug cases and 856 people were accused in 409 weapons cases, but many of those identified could not be brought under the law. 77 people were accused in 7 cases of police assault while catching the terrorists. RAB raided the Rohingya camp and arrested 123 people including top terrorists and military commanders of Arsa and seized 58 kg of explosives, 78 domestic and foreign arms, large quantity of grenades and bullets.

From June 2022 to June 2024, 246 Rohingyas were killed in Rohingya camps. At least 21 Rohingya community leaders, volunteers and ordinary Rohingyas are among the dead    found 233 cases have been registered in these incidents, 1 thousand 723 people have been accused and 245 terrorists have been arrested. However, 70 percent of the accused are out of touch.

In 2023-24, 31 cases of abduction occurred and 101 persons were accused in 24 cases and 44 persons were arrested. 8 thousand 689 Rohingyas were accused in a total of 3 thousand 823 cases in the camps. From August 2017 to July 2024, there have been 3832 cases related to Rohingya camps in 11 types of crimes. The number of these cases shows the level of crime in the camps. The renewed Rohingya infiltration is increasing the population density of the camps and creating new security threats.

Repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar is the main solution to this problem, but the security situation is deteriorating due to the uncertainty of resolving the crisis and the overcrowding of the camps. In this context, cooperation is needed to relocate the Rohingyas to Bhasanchar to reduce the population density of the camp. If the international community responds quickly to this initiative, the situation will be somewhat under control. Rohingya terrorist groups are dominating the camp and deteriorating the law and order situation, if this situation continues, the security situation in the camp will become more complicated. The law and order forces have to conduct special operations to control the camp situation.

The Interim Government of Bangladesh has been informing the international community about the crisis and expects the help of the United Nations, the international community and friendly countries to resolve the crisis. The recently appointed Malaysian High Commissioner to Dhaka said that Malaysia will fully support Bangladesh's efforts to find a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

In the ongoing situation, the security of the Rohingyas in Rakhine should be ensured in addition to strengthening the border security to prevent Rohingya infiltration. Effective initiatives are not being taken to ensure the acceptance of Rohingyas in Rakhine since 2017. AA, NUG and Myanmar Government must take urgent action to create an acceptable environment for Rohingyas in Rakhine by the UN and international community.

This problem which is pressing on Bangladesh is protracted and is putting pressure on Bangladesh's security, environment and other issues. Bangladesh has been able to successfully create public awareness and is constantly raising the issue in the international arena. Bangladesh tried to solve this problem diplomatically and through an international judicial process, but success has not yet come. In the days to come, efforts should be made to find a permanent solution by forming a commission and taking multi-pronged steps under a framework to advance this process.

In the ongoing situation, international cooperation is needed to create a safe zone in Rakhine for the safety of Rohingyas to stop Rohingya infiltration. The establishment of humanitarian corridors to provide relief and other assistance to the distressed Rakhine population and Rohingya should be seriously considered.

Br. G. Hasan Md. Shamsuddin, NDC, AFWC, PSC, MPhil (Retd.). Researcher on Myanmar and Rohingya.

Some students of Dhaka University took the life of a young man. The deceased youth was very unnatural. The killers thought he was a 'thief'; they beat him to death on this suspicion. In other words, they have taken away a fresh life just under suspicion.

Tofazzal did not die due to suspicion of murder or carelessness. He was killed in a festive manner. Before his death, he was fed rice in between beatings. Water was given. When the young man was drinking water in a state of unconsciousness, i.e. when the presence of life was visible in him, the beaters also clapped their hands, saying that there was an opportunity to beat some more!

As easy as I am writing the matter, it is actually not that easy. Heart breaking! This touching incident has moved everyone. The demand for justice has risen. The University administration has taken action. The University authorities filed a case with the Shahbag police station. Police have arrested six students of the University on charges related to the incident. One of them resigned from the Chhatra League and took part in the recent anti-discrimination student movement to bring down the government, and for that reason he is staying in Dhaka University Hall, while others have not been identified politically. They are called 'common students'.

The identity of the deceased Tofazzal has been published in the media, it is seen that he is without family and guardian. Although his home was in Barguna, he used to roam the streets of Dhaka. Tofazzal's father died ten years ago, mother three years later and then his only elder brother. After his brother's death, Tofazzal was also beaten up locally over an incident, after which he became deranged. He was studying at Bangabandhu Law College after completing his Honors Masters in Bengali Studies from Barishal BM College, according to media reports.

The students of Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall, who had beaten up on suspicion of being a thief, contacted Tofazzal's family. His maternal sister said that the price of the mobile phone is Tk. 35,000. They also doubted how Tofazzal could memorize the mobile numbers of family members. And as their suspicions grew, so did the pace of beatings. The University administration has failed to fulfill its responsibilities. They did not realize the need to seek the help of law enforcement at that time. None of the other students of the University came forward to stop this beating. Protests and processions were very normal these days, but this time the normality was disturbed in the University itself.

He was fed rice before being killed. Abdullah Al Masud, the former leader of Rajshahi University Chhatra League, who lost his leg, did not get it a few days ago after asking for water before his death. In case of Tofazzal not only water but also rice was fed. It was not at all humane to a poor vagabond, but rather ridiculous. First the students make fun of his poverty and then played with his life, and their game of 'thief-cop' is given a fresh lease of life. Here we can see the picture of our society. It gave a clear idea of how our society views those who are usually abnormal, more precisely those who are considered 'crazy'. 'Madmen' can be beaten at will, 'madmen' have no right to live, and beating 'madmen' is pleasurable to many. This event is not his revelation? Sadly, some of the students of the country's top Universities are still in this corrupt practice.

No hesitation to say it is cold-blooded murder. Even if it is an exaggeration to kill the festival? Probably not! But they are studying in the highest seat of learning of the country. They got admitted here after obtaining the certificate, but could not possess the minimum humanity. Human life has no value to them. Are they really committed to building a country without discrimination yet? At least he doesn't witness this cold-blooded murder. Rather it says they are not on the right track.

On the same day Tofazzal Hossain was murdered, another murder took place in Jahangirnagar University. Shamim Ahmed alias Shamim Molla former organizing secretary of the University branch Chhatra League, who was killed in the beating of students in Jahangirnagar University. Last Wednesday afternoon, three students of the University started beating Shamim, who was waiting for an acquaintance in front of a salon at Joy Bangla Gate of the University, at one stage they dragged him inside the campus and beat him up. And finally he died too. Among those involved in this incident are several leaders of the JCD and a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement. This incident has also created a stir in the country, there are demands for justice. Not only are these two incidents on the same day, they are happening earlier and later in the day, and many are trying to make light of it by calling it 'mob justice' and 'mass death'. These are not correct. These are essentially uncontrolled behavior and extrajudicial killings, and should be protested and redressed legally.

After a short break, our conscience has started waking up after the murder of Tofazzal Hossain and Shamim Ahmed. We should hold on to it. We should wake up and be aware of any extrajudicial killings and any illegal incidents on campus or anywhere in the country. Tofazzal-Shamim may not be the end; but let our quest end here, we should stop here. 

Bangladesh-India relations are historical and multi-dimensional. Again, the relationship between these two close neighbors is very sensitive. As a result, it is very important for the peace, security and stability of South Asia that the relations between the two countries move in a positive direction based on balance, fairness and equality.

In particular, in the context of the Rohingya crisis in Northeast India and neighboring Chattogram Hill Tracts and Southeast Bangladesh and the ongoing armed civil war in Myanmar, both countries would do well to proceed with utmost caution in the development of mutual relations. But despite the good intentions of both countries, there are multifaceted conspiracies to destroy this relationship. For this reason, it is necessary for both the countries to be vigilant and move the Bangladesh-India relationship forward to a positive destination.

On the occasion of the one month anniversary of the formation of the interim government on Wednesday (September 11) at 7:30 pm the Chief Adviser to the nation the issue of Bangladesh-India relations gained importance in the speech of Dr. Muhammad Yunus. In the speech, Dr. Yunus said that he wants good relations with neighboring countries including India. He said, however, that relationship should be based on fairness and equality. We have already started high-level bilateral cooperation talks with India on flood control. I have taken the initiative to revive the SAARC group of states with a view to enhancing regional cooperation in South Asia. He said that Bangladesh should be known with respect to the world as a democratic country. The planning of the country should be centered on the people of the country, not on any leader or party.

Pranoy Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, has said that he will work to advance Indo- Bangladesh relation to a positive direction. The new foreign secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the courtesy meeting with Jasimuddin, he further told the reporters, 'I have said earlier that we are working closely with the government of Bangladesh to achieve the aspirations of peace, security and development applicable to both countries. We will continue to work to advance the relationship in various areas.

The Prime Minister of India and the Chief Minister of West Bengal congratulated the new government soon after the change of power in Bangladesh. Both the countries hoped that the historical and close relations between Bangladesh and India will continue intact. But these hopes will be successful only when various conspiracies to destroy the relationship between the two countries can be suppressed and it will be possible to avoid hot-headedness from the highest level.

It is important to mention that in the complex geopolitics of South Asia, there is a tendency for relations to deteriorate as well as for improving relations. There are multifaceted conspiracies that work openly and covertly to disturb the relations of different countries. Governments need to be very careful and vigilant about this.

For example, the behavior of the Indian media can be mentioned. When the student movement took place in Bangladesh, there were many doubts about their campaign. In particular, when student mobs, and even madrasa students, guarding Hindu homes and temples were showing success in confronting miscreants, inflammatory campaigns were noticed in the Indian media. Inciting unrest without standing for peace made the Indian media questionable and untrustworthy at the time.

Disappointingly, the old and professional press has also been seen to tune in with the third-rate propaganda-based low-level media. After that complex situation, such news is still being published in various media in India, which is not only offensive but harmful to the relationship. For example, the video reports of newspapers like India Today are saying that the new government is a threat to India, Bangladesh has become Pakistan 2.0 under the new government. Even, the interview of some alleged 'Bangladeshi militants' is spreading tension. It is hard to believe that the Government of India does not see this. If such anti-Bangladesh propaganda increases on Indian soil and in Indian media, India's goodwill towards developing relations with Bangladesh will be highly disputed and eventually the relations will suffer, which is neither desirable nor beneficial for any country.

From India's point of view, the reality must be kept in mind that there is an anti-India political current in Bangladesh since long ago. Moreover, the previous Hasina government is generally perceived as pro-India. And now Hasina is under the shelter of India. As a result, if anti-Bangladesh incitement is made on Indian soil or in the media, the reaction in the public mind of Bangladesh will be severe, which will further increase the level of anti-India.

Hot comments from higher ups also often damage relationships and cause adverse reactions. As has happened recently. Adviser to BNP Chairperson and former Opposition Chief Whip Zainul Abdin Farooq said that India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh should apologize, but you are a minister but I am also a citizen of independent Bangladesh. You should apologize for the statement you made. People of Bangladesh have a big heart. They know how to forgive. So no one will accept that do not make a statement about Bangladesh.

He said this at a protest rally organized by the 12-party alliance in front of the National Press Club in the capital in the first week of September against India's aggressive statements threatening the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh. Moreover, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi commented that India is not working for Bangladesh's democracy but to return Sheikh Hasina's 'zamidari'.

Needless to say, unnecessary controversies and provocative political statements or false propaganda by anyone or the media will destabilize the situation. Those will be boomerang and India will face opposition. Opponents of India will get tools for criticism and opposition. Attempting to destroy relationships instead of improving them, or handing over weapons of opposition, is not a sign of any prudence. Rather, these are conspiracies to destroy Bangladesh-India relations. Therefore, aware people, objective media and government of both countries need to be alert about anti-Bangladesh incitement and lies in the Indian soil or in the media and strive to advance Bangladesh-India relations on the basis of balance, fairness and equality by countering various conspiracies.

Dr. Mahfuz Parvez: Associate Editor, Barta24.com; Professor and Chairman, Department of Political Science, Chattogram University and Executive Director, Chattogram Center for Regional Studies, Bangladesh (CCRSBD).