Ask yourself once, please

Vandalism in Bangladeshi politics is nothing new. Since the 1990s, we have repeatedly witnessed destruction in various movements, demands, strikes, blockades, and protests. Over the past three decades, we have even seen fires set to moving passenger buses and trains, causing casualties. Yet, we have failed to establish a political culture free from such destruction.

Even now, we see the same culture of vandalism and arson. We must remember that destructive thinking leads to more destruction. Ironically, our words always seem noble—we speak about democracy, freedom of expression, tolerance, and justice in our speeches and statements. But in practice, our actions reveal vengeance, intolerance, and destruction. Where does this end?

The reality is that, despite our claims, in the 53 years since independence, we have failed to establish true rule of law. We speak of justice when it serves our interests, condemn destruction when it affects us, yet remain silent on justice when it benefits us. We celebrate destruction when it harms our opponents. We never stop to ask ourselves: Am I doing the right thing?

Whoever comes to power in our country seems to misuse it. It is as if power feels incomplete without its abuse. But the truth is, a truly powerful person is one who, despite having the ability to take revenge, chooses not to. A true leader forgives others' mistakes and seeks forgiveness for their own. Unfortunately, this practice is absent from our politics. Even in society, where forgiveness and tolerance exist to some extent, political vengeance casts a long shadow, spreading intolerance and destruction across generations. This destructive politics has repeatedly tarnished our glorious achievements, pulling us backward. Every time we progress, every major accomplishment is undone by destructive politics, leaving us even further behind. Will we remain trapped in this cycle of regression?

Yet, we once dreamed of change—of positive transformation in politics, society, and diplomacy. We hoped our children would be educated for a modern world, competing with their global peers in wisdom and intellect. We envisioned sending not just unskilled laborers abroad but skilled managers.

Our national leaders and policymakers travel frequently to Europe and America. They witness firsthand the discipline and organization of those societies. As they pass through Doha or ts, they see Bangladeshi citizens working as janitors, while citizens of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and even Nepal hold managerial positions in security, customer service, and lounges. Does this reality not shame our national leadership? If it did, they would focus on transforming our youth into skilled professionals instead of fueling destructive politics. But we see no such vision among them.

"We do not learn from history"—this is advice we often give to others but rarely follow ourselves. Time and again, we have seen that new governments do not learn from the downfall of previous ones. As a result, the cycle of power abuse, arrogance, and political destruction keeps repeating. It seems that the primary objective of our political culture is to ensure collective misery rather than collective well-being. We never ask: How can we all live well together?

But can everyone truly live well together? Can the families of martyrs and their murderers coexist in peace? Certainly not. Justice must be served, and criminals must face legal consequences. However, if justice is not delivered through the courts but instead through acts of destruction targeting criminals and their families, we only perpetuate a culture of vengeance. Do our national leaders lack the wisdom to understand this simple truth?

Bangladesh is a land of fertile soil and simple, peace-loving people. Ordinary citizens do not wish harm upon others. In our society, even enemies are given food when hungry—we grew up witnessing this generosity. Yet, political leaders continue to complicate this simple and harmonious way of life. Through misinformation, propaganda, and fear-mongering, they deceive the public and use them as pawns in their power struggles, sacrificing hardworking people at the altar of political vengeance.

Reform and positive change require a positive mindset. To achieve this, we must abandon the politics of deception, confusion, and fear.

Those in national leadership must be held accountable to the people—not just in words but in actions. They must embody responsibility in their speech, behavior, and decisions.

To our national leaders, I humbly ask: Have you ever questioned yourself? Are you speaking the truth? Are your words fueling political vengeance? If you can prove your honesty in your internal struggle of self-reflection, only then can you truly contribute to the nation's progress. When the thought of destruction no longer resides in your mind, the country will move forward.

The sooner our national leadership develops the courage to question themselves, the sooner the well-being of our country and its people will be ensured.

Resed Mehedi: Editor, Views Bangladesh