There seems to be an assumption that the riots currently occurring in England are somehow odd or atypical. People who take this view don't know their British history. Riots have been the time honoured protest of the lumpenprolitariat. This is not to excuse the behaviour, only to contexualise it - and why should riots only happen in places like Dhaka? The few people I have spoken to here about the English riots seem bemused about events and to a certain extent amused. "Look", they seem to be suggesting. "it can happen to you as well, so don't be too ready to criticise us when social order breaks down". Fair enough!
Today we held an exhibition of student's work at the Shilpalka, the state art gallery. The exhibition was a success despite the conditions of the art gallery, which is in a state of complete disrepair. The roof seems to have been removed and water pours into the building. One wonders what has happened to the exhibits?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Rain
I was warned to bring an umbrella, which seemed superfluous advise as my first two weeks saw little rain. This week it's another story. Forty-hours without respite - flooding is happening and threatening to get worse. It's a pity Bangladesh can't export rain; Perth could certainly do with it!
I have been silent for a few days becaue of problems with my computer. But now I too busy with the book to write anything of length or depth. Tomorrow, if we haven't been swept away!
I have been silent for a few days becaue of problems with my computer. But now I too busy with the book to write anything of length or depth. Tomorrow, if we haven't been swept away!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Ramzan
The holy month is with us and strangely the streets are much quieter. My memory is that they became busier but then I'm told that's closer to the end and the advent of Eid. Ramzan is a paradox; people starve themselves all day and then become gluttons in the evening. More food is actually consumed during a fast than during normal times I am told. It is also interesting to note that theologically Rmazan is about achieving spiritual purity rather than physical purity; a sentiment that seems to be lost on many.
I realise that I must sound negative in much of what I write but it's hard not to be especially when you're writing about the administration and officialdom generally. This seems to have been designed specifically to make ordinary people's lives as difficult as possible. By contrast, the people are full of grace, generosity and joy. The sheer volume of people on the streets is a sight to behold. Masses of people move in unison, like a wave unfolding on a beach, avoiding the rubbish, potholes and puddles and each other. It takes my breath away just to watch the streetscape.
Dipu Moni, my favourite politician, is at again. This time she's lecturing The Economist about its country report on Bangladesh, claiming its a tissue of lies. Why? Well it presents a reasonably balanced account of the current government's performance that is at odds with the Awami League's account. Nothing short of heresy, here.
I talk to my friends about the current political situation. All of them a secular, patriotic Bangladeshis who are thoroughly disillusioned with the Awami League, which seems to have reverted to its past arrogance towards the electorate but they can't stand the BNP and its ultra nationalism and its links the fundamentalists. On present showing the BNP hasn't got a hope in hell of winning the election but the AL has every chance of loosing it. A paradox indeed!
I realise that I must sound negative in much of what I write but it's hard not to be especially when you're writing about the administration and officialdom generally. This seems to have been designed specifically to make ordinary people's lives as difficult as possible. By contrast, the people are full of grace, generosity and joy. The sheer volume of people on the streets is a sight to behold. Masses of people move in unison, like a wave unfolding on a beach, avoiding the rubbish, potholes and puddles and each other. It takes my breath away just to watch the streetscape.
Dipu Moni, my favourite politician, is at again. This time she's lecturing The Economist about its country report on Bangladesh, claiming its a tissue of lies. Why? Well it presents a reasonably balanced account of the current government's performance that is at odds with the Awami League's account. Nothing short of heresy, here.
I talk to my friends about the current political situation. All of them a secular, patriotic Bangladeshis who are thoroughly disillusioned with the Awami League, which seems to have reverted to its past arrogance towards the electorate but they can't stand the BNP and its ultra nationalism and its links the fundamentalists. On present showing the BNP hasn't got a hope in hell of winning the election but the AL has every chance of loosing it. A paradox indeed!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Lynchings and other matters
I have long been puzzled by the reports of lynchings one sees in the press. The term lynching brings to mind all those images of the deep south and segregation in the USA in the 1930s. In Bangladesh it refers to a mob taking justice into its own hands and killing a suspected perpetrator of a suspected crime. The Independent today reports that there have been 88 lynchings in Bengladesh in 2011 (it's only August) and nobody has been bought to account for these acts. What is going on here? One account suggests that the populace so distrust the police and the justice system that they have taken the law into their own hands. Sounds plausible!
Today is the first day of Ramzan (or Ramadan). Work stops at 4.00 so that people can get home for Iftar, the breaking of the fast at approximately 6.45. The streets are full of people buying food ready to break the fast and there are stalls everywhere selling special foods eaten at Ramzan. Photographs to be taken tomorrow and hopefully posted.
Today is the first day of Ramzan (or Ramadan). Work stops at 4.00 so that people can get home for Iftar, the breaking of the fast at approximately 6.45. The streets are full of people buying food ready to break the fast and there are stalls everywhere selling special foods eaten at Ramzan. Photographs to be taken tomorrow and hopefully posted.
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