Charity overshadows the state’s falsehood

The idea and model of the state did not fall with Adam and Eve from heaven. The current model of the state which we call the ‘modern state’, has come through a historical process. People started living together for safety, more prey, and a better life. The unity evolved and historically turned into something big. Those little unities created society; society has made the state. The idea of the state also evolved. The state's primary and compulsory motto is its members' safety. Modern states are more complex, and this model of state holds power more than ever in history. The citizens of a state are committed to obeying the state, its law, and punishment, and pay a thousand types of tax. And in return, the states must provide basic needs like shelter, food, education, and healthcare. This is the deal between the state and citizens. Is this deal going well? This is not just a question; the future is dependent on this deal.

We all saw Bangobazar burnt down to ashes. The loss is approximately 700 crore tk. How will this be compensated? Primary help had to come from the state. That’s the duty of the state. But, seven days have passed and the Government has not declared any compensation. Moreover, there was no insurance for those shops. Rather people have come forward to help. Celebrities are buying burnt clothes to help, giving money for their Iftar. Media is giving publicity and people clap for this generosity. Businessmen from Cumilla have come forward to help, third gender community too. But these charity works overshadow some urgent questions and canalize people’s focus. What are those questions?

First of all, the government’s failure to compensation. Neither the media nor any activists or organizations have raised the question. The second point is, that no one had the insurance. According to the Insurance Act 2010, commercial houses must have insurance. Why the Insurance Act has not been workable yet? Thirdly, the fire brigade suffered from the lack of water. The water sources are dead. Many ponds in different areas of Dhaka are no longer visible. Although there is a law for conserving reservoirs, various government and private institutions and influential people have occupied many reservoirs. There are no fire hydrants in many buildings in Dhaka, and there’s no functioning move for a solution. Finally, the fourth point is, that these markets were declared risky long ago. But the market authority refused that claim. And the state authority did not take any steps. The question is, how are these strong syndicates showing thumbs up to laws and regulations? What is the source of their power?

There are many more questions. But, as always, the focus is turned up, now it’s on the charity of the celebrity. The number of actors/actresses who have bought burned dresses is not more than ten. The total amount collected amount from them is not more than ten lakhs. If a hundred more come, what will be the amount? 1 crore? 2 crores if too much? The amount is far from the needed. The Government is liable to compensate. Charity and social help are the next thing. Charity is the veil of the Government’s and other authority’s failure. Media is veiling up. This is the problem and evil of charity.