It appears that a large segment of the political leadership is facing tremendous difficulty in coming to terms with certain ground realities. Perhaps, all they require is a little assistance and so, it shall be offered: East-Pakistan is no more. In its place, there exists an independent, sovereign state, popularly known as Bangladesh. It is inhabited by Bengalis. Not former or future Pakistanis, just Bengalis. Those who find the facts stated above far too obvious and think that there is no need to reiterate the unmistakable, are advised to take a brief look at the NA resolution passed by the lower house of the Parliament against the execution of Jamaat-e-Islami (Bangladesh) leader, Abdul Quader Mollah. Apparently, forty-four years are just not enough for some to recover from a bad break-up.
While speaking on the issue in the National Assembly, Interior Minister, Nisar Ali Khan, claimed that Mr Mollah was hanged for ‘supporting’ Pakistan and remained true to the cause of a united Pakistan till the very last day of life. He further claimed that the nation was deeply saddened by the execution of the veteran JI leader. False, all of it. Of course, it doesn’t help that Bangladeshi PM, Ms Wajid, is not immune to playing politics on the issue either, claiming that there is “no place” in Bangladesh for supporters of Pakistan.
Although Mr Mollah’s charge sheet is quite extensive, ‘supporting’ Pakistan during 1971 isn’t listed as a crime anywhere. It does, however, contain allegations of murder and rape of several men, women and children, and those are precisely the heinous crimes he was tried for, convicted and executed. Being a seasoned politician, Mr Nisar is surely aware that there are far better ways than torturing and killing dissenters to express patriotism and struggling for unity. Secondly, if in Mr Nisar’s infinite wisdom, it is a matter of pride for a Bangladeshi national to seek a ‘united Pakistan’ till his last breath, what opinion does he hold for a Pakistani citizen who seeks a united India? Thirdly, Pakistan has no right poking its nose in the internal matters of another country. The ongoing trials in Bangladesh are the fulfillment of the election promise of its PM, Sheikh Hasina Wajid. Let us not forget that a life imprisonment sentence failed to satisfy by the Bangladeshi populace, who took to the streets demanding a death sentence instead. But, even if that was not the case, it is none of Pakistan’s business. Their aggressors, their victims and their decisions. Just because we are not interested in taking our criminals to task, doesn’t necessarily mean that the rest of the world must act with the same callousness.
Bangladesh has already recorded its protest with the Pakistan’s High Commissioner and demanded the resolution be withdrawn. The nation is not in favour of portraying convicted murderers and rapists as heroes of the ‘cause’. Stop embarrassing us.