Democracy-loving people of the United States of America and the rest of the world, including Bangladesh, are in deep shock now for what has happened on Thursday in the capital of the most powerful country on earth. They witnessed with disbelief the storming of the US Congress at a time when it was in session to certify the win of Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who was duly elected as the 46th president of the country described by many as the leader of the free world.
However unbelievable it may sound, the fact is that at least four people died after the rioters, instigated by none other than the incumbent president, Donald Trump, stormed the US Capitol to stop Biden's rightful win.
The insurrection was the first time the US Capitol had been attacked after since the British forces did during the war of 1812.
There are allegations that the law enforcement on the day was not as strong as it was during the peaceful Black Lives Matter few months ago.
The anarchy orchestrated by the Trump supporters has been described by the US media as domestic terrorism and an attempted coup. President-elect Biden called it a dark day for the US and its democracy while President Trump, who has not yet conceded after losing the November 3 election, endorsed the actions of his supporters. There has also been widespread condemnation as well concern over this unprecedented rioting.
None other than Trump is responsible for the situation faced by the US because of his refusal to accept the defeat in accordance with the norm of democracy and constitution. Without providing any evidence whatsoever, he continues to claim that the election has been rigged. Trump has been able to feed his supporters, including many senior Republican leaders, the conspiracy theories invented by him. The failure to accept the defeat has placed Trump and his supporters on the wrong side of democracy.
Undoubtedly, the image of the US is being harmed in a big way due to what is happening with respect to the election. Many people across the globe, including from Bangladesh, tend to cite the US as a shining example of democracy and Washington often lectures different countries about democracy. But, after what has happened recently, many people believe that the US does not now have the moral authority to lecture others on democracy before cleaning their own mess.
The day is also a lesson for the Republican leaders and supporters of the party that was represented by many great presidents. They will have to think long and hard before nominating their presidential candidates to do the US a favor and help the rest of the world to some extent.
