Famous actor Elias Kanchan has been associated with the ‘We Demand Safe Road’ movement for over 26 years. The actor, who has been awarded the Ekushey Medal, at various times has faced
obstruction at various times due to agitation regarding the movement.
He talked about these things.
Written by A Mizan
You have been working with the ‘We Deamand Safe Roads’ movement for over 26 years. How do you feel?
After being involved with the movement for so many years still we couldn’t get to the desired place. It doesn't feel so good. After many years, a law is being implemented. This is not just my demand, people across the country want this. But, even before it is implemented it has created a difficult situation. I can have wants and needs, there may be disagreements but that has to go through a procedure. That is why the government has to be more flexible.
You have been repeatedly insulted for being associated with this movement. This time a poster including your phot was burned to disrespect you. What do you have to say about this?
Earlier, the government did not take any action to insult me. If the government had taken action against them at that time, they would not have dare to do this today. Their courage to do wrong against the law has increased over time. Where the law has imposed a penalty of 10 years, the bail was reduced to three years. Thus it has become a habit for them to get the courage they need to create such problems.
Are you happy with what the road laws?
That law has to be implemented. If any problems arise during implementation, the government will have to look into it. It will be presented to the Parliament later. But the law was not implemented. Earlier, the people of the transport disobeyed the law and made the demands of the people too old. It cannot be accepted no matter how it is seen.
You were humiliated but your colleagues from the film industry were not seen to be very vocal about it.
Through social media, many people have personally called me to inquire. They talked to me to give me courage. I haven't yet gone on the roads yet, when that happens you will see things. Now I'm just observing things.
If the law is not implemented, what will be your position?
The law has to be implemented first. If there is any inconsistency after implementation that can be changed systematically. But even before the law’s implementation, the state is being pressured by the people. This has been going on for long in the country. If they win this time, we will have no place to stand. First, let me see what happens then I will arrange programmes. My last word is that I have said that the law has to be implemented. We will take action otherwise. If the law is not implemented, I will take the people and children of the country on to the roads.
Are you experiencing any threats?
No, I'm not threatened, but I'm afraid. Posters disrespecting me are being burned. Since the government is not doing anything about them, taking no action, I am afraid that I can be attacked at any moment.
