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!