A fitting time to celebrate Valentine’s Day
While one can argue that ‘now’ is a more fitting time than before for special days, such as Valentine’s Day, to be celebrated, Adviser Farida Akhter’s Facebook appeal to refrain from observing 14 February can potentially have serious repercussions
Farida Akhter, an interim government adviser, posted on Facebook her two cents on Valentine's Day. She advised that Bangladeshis "don't do 'Tamasha' ... respecting the martyrs and injured of July and August, there should be no spectacle for Valentine's Day this year."
She later clarified with Bangla daily Prothom Alo that it wasn't the government's position but rather her personal appeal. "It is not a time of celebration," she reiterated.
The viral post drew widespread criticism from the netizens at warp speed. And for the right reasons.
One can argue that 'now' is a more fitting time than before for special days that have traditionally brought out people in unison, particularly the youth, to celebrate. While the last few months have been riddled with political tensions, conspiracies and mobocracy coupled with the wounds inflicted by the fallen Sheikh Hasina's autocracy, there's more reason to find respite on special days such as, in this case, Valentine's Day.
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The adviser's attempt to moral police a small occasion like Valentine's Day in such a tense period is not only disappointing but can bear serious consequences. The post — just by "discouraging" people from celebrating Valentine's Day — started a discourse that will not only divide people but also potentially expose those who do want to celebrate it to the risks of mob violence.
The last few weeks in Bangladesh were especially precarious. Just last week, Bangladesh saw the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Dhanmondi 32 house, where at least one adviser was seen encouraging the mob. It led to a series of similar demolitions across the country in the following days.
This violence reached its peak in Gazipur, at least one has been reported dead in that incident. More recently, on 10 February, we saw another mob forcing a bookstall to close down at Ekushey Boi Mela — supposedly a space of freedom of expression and inclusivity.
In Bangladesh, a group of conservatives has always been against people observing Valentine's Day. But when these views are weaponized and forced on others, it opens the door to fascism.
At this volatile moment of growing mob culture and pre-existing conservative groups advocating against observing Valentine's Day, this Friday would be a 'sensitive' topic even without Farida Akhter's advice – requiring the law enforcement agencies to remain alert.
What the adviser's Facebook post risks is encouraging the mob to moral policing in the public sphere. And if something unfortunate happens, will the adviser take responsibility? "I am afraid that your comment will legitimise mob violence from a specific group. If someone wants to celebrate this day with their partner, and they are attacked for it, who will take responsibility?" one commented on Farida's post.
The interim government has a tremendous workload no doubt. There's significant debate if this advisory board is effectively capable of handling the massive challenge that the state faces after Hasina's flight to India. Besides the mounting challenges of maintaining the law-and-order situation seems to be overwhelming the government.
And instead of containing the tension, if an adviser within the government plays a role inciting it in some way and appeasing moral policing, genuine concern emerges about the intention of the government.
"In a world full of hatred, there can be no greater weapon than love. Yet… you have stood against the very thing of love in one form," one commented on Farida's post, while another said, "Love is the opposite of shooting people in the chest… From a responsible position in the government, you too have legitimised the event of 'throwing shoes at couples on Valentine's Day'. Disappointing."
