Dr. Mahroof Chowdhury’s essay, published on May 17, 2026, examines how political language in Bangladesh functions as a psychological and strategic tool rather than a neutral medium of communication. He introduces the analytical framework of ‘Upto-Supto-Gupto-Lupto’ to explain how political attacks evolve through layered processes of suggestion, suppression, manipulation, and erasure. Each stage reflects how language and symbols are used to shape public perception, delegitimize opponents, and control collective consciousness.

Drawing on thinkers such as Michel Foucault, Antonio Gramsci, and Noam Chomsky, the essay situates these mechanisms within broader theories of power, propaganda, and cultural hegemony. It argues that political narratives often replace facts with emotion, fear, and moral judgment, turning opponents into moral outsiders. Examples from Bangladesh’s political history illustrate how labeling, misinformation, and symbolic exclusion have been used to marginalize dissent.

The essay concludes that sustainable democracy depends on critical civic awareness. Without citizens capable of questioning propaganda and analyzing political language, democracy risks devolving into ritualistic elections. Chowdhury calls for a culture of critical citizenship grounded in reason, ethics, and historical understanding to resist manipulative political communication.