In the discourse of peace study, ‘peace’ is defined in two
ways. Negative peace is referred to as the absence of
war/violence. And ‘Positive Peace’ is referred to the
presence of the conditions for a just and sustainable living
environment, which includes access to food and clean
drinking water, education for women and children, security
from physical harm, and presence of all human rights.
Considering these two, is peace a far cry in the perspective
of Bangladesh?
In Bangladesh both peace is somewhat absent. Violence is
very much present and justice is denied in every way
possible. The headlines of media are full of more incidences
of violence rather than justice is served. For citizen’s of
Dhaka, to be able to breathe in fresh air is peace, to have
access to running water in households is peace, and steady
power supply is also peace.
Not having strikes, not losing people during occasional
violent acts during the strikes, which is called by the
political parties, is peace. For a child, who dwells in the
streets of Dhaka, selling out all her flowers and enjoy a
decent meal end of the day is peace. Having the river
Buriganga clear of all pollutions is peace to many people
living there. To have a strong leadership who would stop the
Rampal electricity power plant is peace. Rampal
power plant is going to start near the UNESCO World
Heritage, world’s largest Mangrove Forest ‘Sundarbans’, and
experts says that it is going to destroy the forest soon and
will have sever environmental damage to Bangladesh. To have
a society without violence against any human being specially
women, not to have child labor and no children on the
streets is peace in Bangladesh.
The question, is that a far cry? Will Bangladesh ever find
peace the way it is stated in the discourse of peace study?
http://louisville.edu/peace/academic-programs/peace-studies
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/peace-studies/
It’s an interesting reality that for many nations and citizens, “PEACE” is still both illusive and elusive.
I loved your angle: yes, there is also “subjective peace” which differs from people to people.
You’re really doing a great job out here! I like your perspective of seeing this world.This blog seems good and well maintained.