Differences of opinion, ideological battles, and even fierce enmity are inevitable in politics. But does attacking an opponent by using slurs that demean their profession, poverty, religion, or gender align with the ideology of Bangabandhu? Can this ever be the conduct of a truly self-respecting political activist?
The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, dedicated his entire life to securing the rights of the ordinary working-class people of Bengal. Bringing smiles to the faces of the disenfranchised was the core philosophy of his politics. Throughout his long political career, he never belittled or mocked anyone by degrading their profession, religion, or gender.
Vile slurs like “son of a driver,” “breed of a helper,” or “child of a beggar” did not exist in Bangabandhu’s dictionary. Instead, he embraced the most neglected working masses of society—from rickshaw pullers to day laborers—with utmost affection, addressing them as ‘brothers’. Do such feudal and hateful expressions suit the tongues of those who claim to be soldiers or followers of Bangabandhu today?
We must remember that vulgar and arrogant language only suits those who consider themselves the ‘elite’ or rulers—those whose politics involved treating ordinary people as mere subjects. If you look back at history, this arrogant language belonged to the likes of Fazlul Quader Chowdhury (Faka Chowdhury) or the successors of such autocratic and feudal mentalities; it can never be the ideological language of the Awami League.
No matter how heated the situation or how great an enemy the opponent might be, weaponizing someone’s profession, caste, religion, or gender as an insult is a sign of extreme political bankruptcy.
We must not forget that the Bangladesh Awami League was born out of the struggle to secure the rights of farmers, workers, laborers, and the marginalized working class. The core foundation and primary driving force of the party are not the so-called ‘gentlemen’ of drawing-room politics or the opportunistic civil society, but rather these hardworking people who toil under the scorching sun and rain. Today, amidst the superficial glitz of modernity, this may not always be visible, but insulting the people of these classes and professions is tantamount to insulting the very soul of the party.
Therefore, before taking Bangabandhu’s name on our lips, let us internalize his way of life and etiquette in our hearts. Political conflicts will remain, but decency must not be lost. Rather than spreading hatred or malice, let human dignity be the core language of our politics.