One feels that we have arrived at a phase of the political boxing match between the AL and the BNP where the latter has been vanquished thoroughly by the former. The defeat has been comprehensive, as the defeated party failed to achieve even a bit of what they probably dreamt of.
The passive disapprobation of the US and the EU countries of the bizarre polls held not long ago does not effectively pose a significant threat to the present government, as notwithstanding a little disquietude, things remain much the same.
Russia, China, and some other countries have expressed their feelings toward the AL-led government, but it would be reasonable to infer that this approval is little influenced by their sincere approbation of the tenacity shown by the ruling party, but that these nations share a clear antagonistic sentiment towards the US, and would like to say “A” if the latter says “B” without exception, just for the sake of creating tension by dissension.
All the things the BNP bombarded their enemies with, missed the AL and hit the public instead. Weeks of street terrorism earned Khaleda Zia nothing but the discontent of people who had practically reached the end of their patience by the time the ineffectual protest was abandoned, at least temporarily.
Why did the BNP fail? There are many interweaved reasons behind their unsuccessful movement. The first is that they were not able to create the amount of unrest they were hoping for. Indeed, the former opposition party leader wanted to resort to the method of creating anarchy, and thus make the ruling party unable to take effective action.
The reality turned out to be quite different and more difficult. The law enforcers stayed loyal to the government, and the BNP was not able to make the situation difficult enough for the AL. All government institutions and ministries were respectful to the authorities, and a remarkable level of obedience was shown by all.
The AL had reasonable control over the media as well. The BNP was expecting the common people to help in ousting the government. That did not happen. People refused to take an active part in this situation, and preferred the option of the safety of their homes.
They were waiting, like a maiden in medieval times, to be won over by two knights dueling for her. So the BNP was basically waging a war against a formidably stronger and more resilient force, which it failed to defeat in the end. The result caused much chagrin to those who were rooting for the battered political party.
The AL can be given a perfect score in assessment of their handling of these affairs. The party was able to thwart all efforts of subversion and instigations of anarchy. Not only was the belligerence of the BNP countered shrewdly, the ruling party was able to foil the Hefazat movement as well.
The proposed Dhaka March was nipped in the bud with unprecedented tactical prowess. The elections took place as forecasted by the government, and the BNP could not do much to stop it. In a nutshell, no strategy the BNP applied produced desired effects, and the AL was able to hold fast on to its course.
If this were a game of cricket, the magnitude of the BNP’s loss could be considered the equivalent of an innings defeat. It seems the only option for the BNP now is to retreat. It has lost the battle, and should now spend time in introspection. It is silly to ask whether the more righteous of the two belligerents have achieved victory or not.
The answer to that question is known to all who have even the faintest light in their hearts to recognise the truth and reject falsehood. Clearly, the party with superior intellect, strength, and tactical ability emerged as the victorious.