We have had a flashy SAARC Summit against the backdrop of a monga-stricken situation. Mutual back-slapping on the 'success' of the Summit was however interrupted with the brutal assassination of two Judges in Jhalokati. The perpetrators, members of the radical Islamic Jamatul Mujahedin Bangladesh (JMB) acknowledged that they had committed the reprehensible act. In fact, the survivor also revealed that this was a suicide attack. By doing so, he raised the stakes. In the course of the next few days and weeks, religious extremists have further re-prioritised the socio-political agenda in the country. Two bombs were recovered from a residence at Haquepara, Chuadanga and terrorists hurled a bomb on two on-duty policemen in Daulatpur, Khulna. Around the same time, the police were fortunately able to foil a plan of serial suicide attacks on Judges in Panchagarh.

They were however ineffective in stopping the unfortunate mayhem on 29 November in Chittagong and Gazipur.

Various issues have taken center-stage in our socio-economic and political horizons over the past year and quarter. That has included lack of accountability, corruption and poor governance. However, the most significant dimension appears to be that of confrontational fundamentalism and extremism.

We in Bangladesh took up arms in 1971 not only against injustice but also against abuse of Islam. We achieved a State where we celebrated our freedom through the spirit of secularism. We endorsed the values of democracy in subsequent years and reiterated the need for moderation and constitutional equity. In the recent past, despite constitutional amendments, assurance was given that the entire population would be able to practice their religious belief and faith without any threat.

Today, because of many factors, we are entering a dangerous phase in our national life. More so, than ever before, peace, stability and prosperity for the citizens will lie in the hands of political activists in general and the reaction of the politicians in power. The political scenario is bound to become more restive once again ahead of the general elections. One does not need to be a Cassandra to observe that we have a crisis in the making, which left unchecked, will affect our image abroad and our economic progress at home.

Religious extremism has been growing in Bangladesh over the past few years. It all started on 6 March, 1999 in Jessore when the Udichi cultural function was bombed resulting in 10 deaths and many serious injuries. The same year on 8 October, an Ahmadiya religious centre came under a bomb attack in Khulna leading to 8 deaths. This was followed by the attempted assassination of the then prime minister through the planting of explosives in Kotalipara on 21 July, 2000. Subsequently, we have watched with horror the effect of explosions at different times during political meetings of progressive parties including Awami League. This list includes explosions in the Communist Party meeting held in Paltan in Dhaka, in a cultural gathering in Ramna Park in Dhaka, in Gopalganj, in the Narayanganj Awami League office and in Bagherhat and Sunamganj during Awami League meetings. This was followed by a grenade attack on the British High Commissioner on 21 May, 2004 in Sylhet in contravention of all democratic norms. In the recent past we have also witnessed the dreadful grenade attack that took place on 21 August, 2004 in front of the office of the Awami League in Dhaka. Many died and many more were seriously injured. Earlier this year we also had the brutal killing of the former finance minister Kibria in Habiganj. Then came the widespread, well-coordinated bombing attacks all over the country on 17 August, 2005. And of late suicide bombers, attack at Chittagong and Gazipur. This list does not make pleasant reading. It also does not reflect very well about the effectiveness and efficiency of both our intelligence agencies and our law and order units.

For quite some time, politicians from the progressive parties have been alleging that the present Alliance Administration have failed in their responsibility to tackle this menace. It has been pointed out that extremist religious activists have been associated not only in planning such attacks but also in the carrying out of such explosions. This has consistently been denied by the politicians in power. Some of them even suggested that the Opposition was involved in this nefarious activity. Some others raised the finger towards India and even Israel. This consistent ostrich syndrome impacted on both fact-finding investigations as well as necessary surveillance. This also acted indirectly as a source of encouragement for the perpetrators of these misguided heinous deeds.

There was also another element within the equation that created problems for the law enforcement authorities. Reports emanating from different districts in north west and south-west of the country suggested that the government was giving a free rein to Islamic extremists because they had undertaken their own active engagement against various extreme leftist and Marxist parties who operated from the underground in these regions. In other words, policemen looked aside when vigilante justice was being meted out in the name of Islam fighting atheists. This was best reflected in the open support accorded to Siddiqur Rahman Bangla Bhai. Media reports or concern over such action or inaction was disregarded.

This attitude on the part of the BNP looking the other way while religious elements implemented their own agenda appears to have undergone a slight change because of several factors over the last few months. There was the nervous reaction to the August 17 bombing incidents, the realisation that this soft approach was unacceptable to India as well as the development partners, foreign reports that Bangladesh was sliding into a 'failed-state' and severe reaction within the general public and the electronic media and the press.

The government seems to be finally understanding that you can proverbially fool some of the people some of the time but not all the people all the time. The last meeting held in Dhaka with the development partners has clearly underlined the gravity of the existing situation. Donors already gravely worried about pervasive corruption, have pointed out in no uncertain terms their feeling that this downslide in law and order will not only adversely affect Bangladesh but might lead to export of insecurity in the neighbouring areas. In other words, the international alarm bell has rung.

The ruling Alliance must clearly understand that the people at large are worried about the evolving religious militancy. It is also apparent that voting in the next election will be greatly affected by the perception about how the government has tackled this problem.

It is this awareness that has led to rash of admissions from members of the ruling Alliance. Mr. Abu Hena, sitting law maker from the Bagmara-Mohonpur constituency of Rajshahi had the courage to assign blame on the government and some members of the Cabinet for the volatile situation prevailing in the country and for harbouring members of militant outlawed groups. His admission had direct personal consequences. The BNP high command expelled him from party and the Speaker of the Jatiyo Sangshad had no hesitation in declaring him to be 'an independent lawmaker'. Curiously, the Hon'ble Speaker also clarified to journalists that there was no possibility of Mr. Hena 'losing his parliament membership as he did not violate party's decision or cast vote against the Party'. Mr. Hena spoke out because he has been symbolically 'under the gun' in his constituency. It may be mentioned here that his area has become the breeding ground for extremist outfits like the Purba Bangla Communist Party (PBCP-Marxist Leninist), the JMB and some other leftist groups.

Mr. Abu Hena's comments might not have been received very kindly by the BNP hierarchy but he was not the only one to allege BNP's inability to deal with 'Shantrash' effectively. Mr Mizanur Rahman Minu, the BNP supported Mayor of Rajshahi, while endorsing such disciplinary measures has however had the honesty to admit that the terrorist situation had exacerbated because of the government taking the whole matter 'lightly'.

Like many others, I have followed the administration's recent steps with care. At this point of time, such religious radicalism has created panic and social unrest. It is also creating unnecessary suspicion among different groups of people. It is the incumbent government's duty to ensure that there is peace and stability.

If necessary, that enlightened non-partisan extra step has to be taken in the interest of the nation. Party interests must not overtake the coordinated measures that are necessary for containing this threat. Let the Islamic components in the Alliance prove that they are against terrorism. Their party workers can help the concerned agencies to identify the extremist activists. They can also track and reveal the shadowy lines of communication through which such fundamentalists obtain their financial resources.

Cooperation in this regard is incumbent on all of us for the sake of our future generation. Let us through such action, renew our commitment towards the vision that created a moderate country in this month of December, 34 years ago. We cannot let the blood of our martyrs go in vain. We cannot suffer an ignominious defeat in the hands of 'the enemy within'.

Muhamamd Zamir is a former Secretary and Ambassador -- any response to [email protected]