Long-term democratic practices will build a strong Bangladesh

A few days ago, at an event in the National Press Club auditorium, an intellectual stated, “It is not enough to have free elections for democracy to be established in the country. Long-term practice and engagement are necessary. To establish democracy, it is essential to create a national consensus among citizens on various issues and to awaken democratic consciousness.”

Unfortunately, there is a lack of consensus among the politicians and intellectuals in the country on any significant national issue. As a result, Bangladesh is not becoming stronger as a state. Even among prominent citizens, there is confusion and disagreement about building a nation-state. Many at the highest levels of society have taken citizenship in developed countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Furthermore, most children of the wealthy and those in political power study abroad. This indicates that the loyalty and patriotism of this class of citizens towards their own country are questionable.

The student quota reform movement has seen casualties, none of whom are the children of any political leaders. In times of crisis, our leaders often seek refuge not among the people, but at the local embassies of foreign nations. Many believe that the environment in the country is not conducive for living, prompting them to go abroad. Additionally, corrupt individuals who have amassed wealth illegally do not see Bangladesh as a safe haven, thus they are transferring their earned money and assets overseas. These issues primarily arise from a lack of democracy.

In national elections, the government is formed based on the people's opinions. However, none of the eight national elections held under party rule since independence have been free from controversy. In contrast, the four elections conducted under the caretaker and interim government systems were relatively controversy-free and accepted nationally and internationally. Unfortunately, in 2006, the then BNP-Jamaat coalition government rendered the caretaker system controversial. Later, in 2008, the Awami League formed the government under a military-supported caretaker government. Although they benefited from the caretaker system, they abolished it from the Constitution upon coming to power. As a result, the elections held under the Awami League government in 2014, 2018, and the 2024 have not gained national or international acceptance.

The shortsightedness of our country’s politicians and their tendency to cling to power at any cost have significantly weakened the people's control over the state. While the BNP and Awami League are often in opposition, they agree on adopting the neoliberal free market economy and unfettered competition imposed by the capitalist world. The politics, economy, administration, education, and judiciary of Bangladesh are being run according to the unannounced plans of the major Western powers aimed at depoliticization and denationalization. For their own interests, both India and the controlled government seek the backing of the United States in all matters concerning this country. Those who come to power in our country prioritize foreign interests over national interests in order to remain in power. Overall, it seems that Bangladesh is a puppet in the hands of big powers.

There is practically no internal practice of democracy within the political parties in Bangladesh. How can a party that does not practice democracy among its members establish the expected democracy in the state? Since independence, the leadership of all parties in power has prioritized dynasty, crafting party constitutions that allow the same family members to rotate in top positions. They dictate the leadership elections of student organizations, leading to a predominance of muscle over merit among aspiring students. For the past 15 and a half years, most student council elections in educational institutions have not taken place, completely shutting down opportunities for students to engage in politics. Instead of addressing their own issues, members of the ruling student organization were busy suppressing the movements of opposition parties as directed by the party. Recently, in addition to the police, helmeted members of pro-government student organizations have also been seen suppressing the students’ quota reform movement. Those who lead student organizations today will be the national leaders of tomorrow. Therefore, if we do not cultivate respect for democracy and a commitment to freedom of expression among them now, we cannot expect anything positive from them in the future.

The absence of democracy has undermined accountability. The natural working environment of every state institution has been destroyed by partisanship, with corrupt officials dominating these organizations. Republic officials and employees engage in government party politics under various banners to benefit from corruption and misconduct. Instead of taking punitive action against these connivers, the government encouraged them. As a result, corruption and misconduct are increasing at every level. Millions of crores in bank loans are in default, much of which has been illegally transferred abroad through various means. The figures for non-performing loans are being presented without accounting for written-off loans, restructured loans, and loans associated with litigated projects, which is illogical. The country’s banking sector is held hostage by a few families, who have plunged it into crisis by taking unethical advantages. The stock market has also been devastated.

Currently, most elected Members of Parliament are businesspeople and industrialists. More than 60% of the last Parliament's members were business entrepreneurs. Consequently, the laws enacted in Parliament primarily protect the interests of businesspeople and industrialists. Institutions that control the economy, including Bangladesh Bank, are also in their favor.

Among the three pillars of the state, the judiciary is an essential refuge for the common people. However, rampant partisanship has crippled the judiciary. After the change of government, the Chief Justice and six other judges resigned simultaneously, which is unprecedented in the country’s history. If the judges had not shown loyalty to their party while in office, the question of resignation would not have arisen. After Sheikh Hasina left the country on August 5, indiscriminate police killings spread fear, leading to police stations being literally empty for several days. There is no precedent for such a situation in any other country. These events are also a result of widespread partisanship.

The student movement has created a remarkable opportunity for the practice of democracy at the personal level and the establishment of democracy at the state level. This opportunity must be utilized. A national committee can be formed with experts from various fields, and initiatives can be taken to establish a long-term democratic governance system based on their recommendations. The Constitution should be reformed in such a way that political parties are compelled to implement internal reforms. No individual should be allowed to serve as Prime Minister or Minister more than twice. Additionally, the head of government and the party leader should not be the same person. Student politics in educational institutions should not be banned; rather, the influence of party politics should be eliminated. Provisions can be made to prevent students from engaging in sycophancy towards political parties or leaders over trivial issues. Strict punitive measures can be taken against those who practice party politics while working in state institutions. Regardless of which party forms the government, there must be stringent laws to ensure that republic officials and employees implement the state’s policies, ideals, and development programs with integrity.

Author: Senior Lawyer, Bangladesh Supreme Court and Chief Executive Officer, Bangla Foundation.