Lessons from History: Safeguarding National Stability Against Sabotage

When the BNP is in power, what do we see? Never once is it allowed to govern in peace and tranquility. Law and order across the entire country is prevented from remaining stable, and obstacles are created at every step of nation-building.

It is not allowed to remain focused on the development and reconstruction of the country. Specifically, what happened across the country during the three days of November 8, 9 and 10.

The Wave of Sabotage and Arson
Incidents of cocktail explosions across the country, including the capital, and particularly arson attacks on public transport, have created an alarming situation for public safety.

The sudden arrival of miscreants on motorcycles as evening falls, detonating cocktails, or setting buses on fire and fleeing quickly, is spreading panic among the public.

It is not just ordinary citizens or public transport; police stations, CID offices, court premises, and educational institutions are also becoming targets of sabotage.

Over a hundred cocktail explosions in various parts of the capital and arson attacks on at least 18 vehicles reflect the severity of the situation.

Similar acts of sabotage have also occurred outside the capital in Narsingdi, Savar, and Chittagong. The lives of ordinary commuters traveling on public transport have fallen into danger.

The garment workers’ movement is still ongoing. Reports have also emerged of the active involvement of banned Awami League leaders and activists in this movement. Intelligence agencies have clear information that people from a specific political party are involved in the cocktail explosions and arson attacks on vehicles.

Capitalizing on the rumor of Sheikh Hasina’s return to the country in December, activists are taking the risk of creating sabotage and anarchy. Activists should understand that a convicted fugitive can never return to the country; she could only return under the terms of a prisoner exchange treaty.

According to intelligence sources, miscreants recently carried out arson attacks on vehicles at important points in the capital, including Farmgate, Chankharpul, Malibagh, and Rampura.

According to intelligence data, leaders and activists ofthe banned political party and one of its front organizations are disguised as ordinary people and workers, carrying out sabotage in the capital using “hit-and-run” tactics.

Intelligence sources reveal that money from certain businessmen at home and abroad is acting as the driving force behind this sabotage network.

These acts of sabotage are being directed under the direct instructions and financial assistance of top leaders of the ousted party residing both inside and outside the country. Intelligence agencies appear to be certain that money is coming in through various channels.

Political Strategy and Economic Disruption
Because the Awami League lacks a favorable environment or public support to build a large-scale mass movement, they have chosen the path of sabotage.

The main objective of this strategy is to push the country’s economy, public life, and law and order situation to the brink of collapse so that the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) cannot develop the country, achieve progress, or earn acclaim.

Instead of standing tall with pride and dignity on the world stage, it seems they are looking toward the future, dreaming of returning to power with the cooperation of foreign friends.

To them, the country’s people, democracy, and independence are not major or important issues; to them, their party and self-interest come first.

Historical Precedents and Foreign Intelligence Influence
Let me share a few more thoughts with you. Our foreign policy is friendship to all, malice toward none. Sadly, our neighboring country wants friendship with us on terms that compromise our interests, greatly diminishing our sovereignty.

In this regard, the only party they can negotiate with is the Awami League; therefore, the Awami League is their beloved and trusted party. Since the BNP is an uncompromising party, they do not want to see it in power and conspire in various ways to unseat it.

Like in all countries around the world, although the activities of foreign intelligence agencies in Bangladesh are a secret matter, there is no way to deny reality.

Indian intelligence agencies operate in Bangladesh in the exact same way; to them, this is protecting their national interest. However, compared to other intelligence agencies, RAW’s presence, reach, and activities in Bangladesh are far greater. Often, their activities disrupt Bangladesh’s sovereignty and cross the line.

Let us examine what methods and pretexts they use to keep Bangladesh destabilized:
• First: Through the Chittagong Hill Tracts, by forming the Shanti Bahini, supplying them with arms, and building shelters for them across the border.

They secretly enter from there, kill innocent Bengalis in the Hill Tracts, carry out massacres, and return safely to their shelters. On November 17, 1997, many unfortunate Bengalis were killed at the hands of the Shanti Bahini in Naniarchar, Rangamati district. There is hardly any sector—political, social, economic, commercial, or cultural—where RAW has not extended its hand; it has even expanded its network into military and religious spheres. It has built an anti-Bangladesh network in exchange for money. Billions of taka were spent to ensure the success of the day-and-night nationwide non-cooperation movement and to bring down the BNP government.

• Second: Widespread attacks were carried out along the border through the BSF. Although the Bangladesh government tried to resist with its limited capacity, the push-in conspiracy began. Simultaneously, water was withdrawn at Farakka, and the process of heating up the situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts through the Shanti Bahini continued.

During this time, it was observed that the Chittagong Hill Tracts issue was internationalized through several so-called human rights organizations. Moreover, during the BNP era, despite many attempts and advice from RAW, the Shanti Bahini members were not allowed to sign a peace treaty directly.

• Third: Widespread chaos was created over the formation of the Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee and the mock trial and symbolic execution of Professor Golam Azam.

• Fourth: At the same time, by creating the Taslima Nasreen issue and capitalizing on isolated attacks on temples, Bangladesh was portrayed as a communal country.

In particular, an international conspiracy was launched to brand the BNP government as persecutors of minorities and to create nationwide chaos, including transport strikes and general anxiety across the country.

Learning from History and Moving Forward
Economic strangulation and isolation were their main targets, and they are moving forward toward that exact goal through long-term planning. Through various propaganda and false information, they want to label this country as fundamentalist and oppressive.

If we do not learn from history, the tragedy of that era will repeat itself in the country. Miscreants have entered the field with a master plan. They must be identified right now, brought under the law, and justice must be ensured.

The current government must take strict and effective measures to save the country and its people. It is the demand of the hour for the country’s law enforcement agencies to become even more dynamic, active, and vigilant. Currently, there is no opportunity to thwart their master plan except by curbing these acts of sabotage.

We, the ordinary citizens, want the restoration of human rights, economic and social security, and peace and order in the country. Let people from all walks of life unite to build this nation.

May everyone continue their utmost efforts to fulfill their responsibilities from their respective positions? Regardless of class, party, or opinion, may everyone remain sincerely dedicated to the welfare of the country—this remains our expectation.

(Writer: Ex -Country Manager of Biman, Bangladesh Airlines, Frankfurt, Germany)