Dear UV readers and commenters,

The last few days have been trying for all of us. As we try to come to grips with what has happened, and as we begin to discuss where to from now, we should take some time to reflect on what we ourselves write in these pages.

As the crisis deepened on Wednesday and the flow of news from Dhaka dried up, UV became a de facto news channel. However, we are not CNN for NRBs. We fall into that role when there is no viable alternative. But that role (worthy as it is), and the blog discussion that results, should not endanger DP’s larger long-term missions. We are here to do what we do best — provide a space for a debate on critical issues and also try to analyze the root causes of certain situations. But please help us do it in a meaningful way without engaging into sloganeering and name calling.

While there were some passionate words expressing pent up frustration against the status quo during the earlier part of the crisis, something quite different happened in the later days. Some commenters, supportive of the government actions, took it upon themselves to impute ulterior motives to others disagreeing with their view. Patriotism of those disagreeing with the government actions were questioned. Unsupported accusations were made about other websites. And all along the way, some commenters engaged in chest thumping machismo, claiming to be the only true patriots.

Some of the government actions are contrary to personal values of a number of DP/UV members. However, we have tried to avoid our personal views get in the way of discussion. Indeed, if anything, we have perhaps seen more comments that call for a police state, potentially alienating some long term readers as it directly contradicts the view of the organization and its members.

Going forward, we appeal all commenters to refrain from using inflammatory language and imputing motives to others. We all care for our country, otherwise we wouldn’t be spending time in these pages. Patriotism is no one’s monopoly, and just because someone disagrees with you doesn’t mean they love the country any less.