Partisans of the BNP might think the Awami League corrupt; similar a devotee of the Awami League might think the BNP fascistic. Either way, there is always some ground on which to base these opinions. The Awami League cannot be thought good, through time all the time. Indeed, one might do well to always look for the cautionary counter-example in any tale of heraldic victory. Trojans might have thought better of opening the gates of their city to an all too humble gift after the Greeks had seemingly departed, their heads crest-fallen, their swords sheathed.
So it is with day to day politics in Bangladesh. The Awami League might do well for most Bangladeshis and indeed might leave gift horses behind to its host across the border. Nevertheless some caution in appraising its victories is in order; the Awami League cannot be supposed to be omnipotent and good, at the same time. On November 19th, 2009 The Awami League government shut down a newly launched 24 hour news channel on suspicious grounds. The elementary facts are, the government claims, that the station did not have a no-objection certificate (NOC) a deed that posits that the station does not object to requirements proposed by the issuing authority, in this case, the state. Obviously both parties dispute the claim to possession or lack thereof the NOC.
There’s been very little coverage of this move by the government and little in way of guide posts to suggest the way out. At stake is the claim of transparency in political dealings in Bangladesh. At stake is the sense that the Awami League deals with facts and not grey, airy assertions.
Perhaps you’ll judge for yourself. Al Jazeera English has reportage that might help you.
