I had a fun excursion to the police station yesterday.The police seized the papers of my CNG driver for not running a metered trip ( I contracted a flat rate). Then they asked me to take a hike and offered me to hail another Taxi while they would take the driver with them. I insisted that I had an urgent appointment (which was true) and that I won't leave without this driver.
So, finally the driver and I went to the Thana in trepidation. A long queue of CNG drivers were there who were trying to negotiate with the officer (I suppose for the amount of the bribe). The officer waved and asked me if I was here to register a complaint. I politely said that I was here to do the opposite. Luckily, without any further discussion, he returned the papers, and we were off to my appointment.
Couple of observations:
1. This was not my first visit. I've been there with Paul when he had to register his phone missing. But I got the same VIP treatment from them. I think there is a class discrimination there. Which favored me, but it still made me uncomfortable both times. As if, the system is functioning like anti-Robin Hood, oppress the poor to make way for the rich.
2. I was very depressed as to how unequipped the police station was. No computers, no phone, just a few loose sheet of paper, which made me wonder whether they will at all keep any record of whatever they were jotting down. It also made me realize why the crime/misdemeanors will never stop. There is no way any history could be maintained to produce any meaningful statistics or any historical databank.
3. In a way, the "system" is like a natural ecosystem where the small fish eats plankton, the medium fish eats the small fish and the big fish eats the medium. While I was detained by constable Rabiul, I was trying to mentally calculate how much money he makes and how much money the CNG driver makes. It seemed rational that the police officer (who is grossly underpaid by today's price level) would oppress the CNG driver (who makes next to nothing after his daily payment) to make a quick buck, and also that I would use my appearance and power to influence the police into getting what I want.
4. After getting my way, I had this Schindler's List moment, where I considered whether I should speak up for the other drivers rounded up, and create this big dramatic scene where I'd free them all. Then my better judgment regained, and left with my one good deed of the day.
5. The CNG driver, after stopping at my destination, started crying in gratitude and went on and on as to how he would pray for me so that I would be blessed by the almighty.
I am already blessed. I am born to be in a place where the police would give me the time of day, and won't take away my precious earnings. And I'm blessed that someone thinks that his prayers would make a difference.
Hope: that's the fuel that runs the world. No matter how oppressed and marginalized people are, hope prevails.
