No progressive force can be found in the country now

In seeking an answer to the question of which path Bangladesh is on, we must examine the clear objective of establishing a powerful, prosperous, and democratic state. Mere protest and resistance against malevolent forces yield no significant benefit; at best, they may only replace one corrupt power with another. Constructive thought and action are necessary. We must break the existing laws, regulations, and structures to establish better ones, not to perpetuate disorder. We need to break down the old to build anew, not just to destroy. The focus now must be on building.

To understand the path Bangladesh is on, we must explore the nature and trajectory of the country as a state. Is the land and population of Bangladesh suitable for forming a successful state? What should Bangladesh’s defense and foreign policies be to succeed as a state? These questions need answers considering Bangladesh's position within the South Asian and global realities. Was it right for Bangladesh to lean entirely towards the United States and the European Union, viewing India as expansionist?

In the past 53 years, have the people of Bangladesh made any progress in forming a representative government from among themselves through their own efforts? Why did the term "criminalization of politics" become prevalent? Are politicians solely responsible for this criminalization? What have the intellectuals influencing politics done? What have the intellectuals within civil society organizations done? What have the NGO leaders done? What have the lawyers done? What have the bureaucrats done? What have the businessmen done? What have the journalists, student leaders, and the general public done? What have the local embassies done? What have the United States and the European Union done? What have the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund done? Do foreign powers come to Bangladesh to work in its interest by sacrificing their own national interests?

Political crises are not created by politicians alone; others contribute as well. To borrow from philosopher Hegel, people get the leadership they deserve. However, if the people wish, they can create excellent leadership through their efforts. What have the people of Bangladesh done? Leadership does not descend from the sky; it emerges from within the people. The character of leadership reflects the character of the populace, and the character of the populace is shaped by its leadership. Sovereignty has its limits and always has, but that does not mean sovereignty does not exist. In practice, sovereignty is demonstrated through the self-reliance of a state. Considering the territory, the people, the representative government of that territory, and sovereignty, we need to delve into the conditions for the existence and advancement of Bangladesh as a state.

Political parties must also be structured as essential constructive elements of the state. To understand the path Bangladesh is on, we must analyze and evaluate the dynamics of the components of the state system by following the trajectory of our history. We must bring the entire history to the forefront and adopt a perspective that uses historical experiences to create a new future. However, the utmost importance in collective life must be given to the events concerning the state of Bangladesh.

The direct history of Bangladesh begins with the six-point movement initiated under the leadership of the Awami League in February 1966. To understand the path of Bangladesh, we must review the six-point movement, the Tajuddin government and the independence war, the Mujib government, the Moshtaque government, the Zia government, the Ershad government, the caretaker government of Shahabuddin, the Khaleda Zia government, the caretaker government of Rahman Biswas-Habibur Rahman, the Hasina government, the caretaker government of Shahabuddin-Latifur Rahman, the Khaleda Zia government, the caretaker government of Iajuddin – the entire period’s political history and public life events. We need to evaluate the roles of the ruling party, the opposition party, right-wing and left-wing factions, various intellectual groups, NGOs, civil society organizations, foreign diplomats, the US State Department, the European Union, the Commonwealth, India, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and identify the good and the bad.

We must uncover why Bangladesh became politically destitute due to the introduction of a 90-day non-political, non-partisan, neutral caretaker government system for holding national parliamentary elections. With an unbiased, dispassionate, and truth-seeking perspective, considering all socio-economic and cultural forces, we must identify the essence of the times to create the desired new future. The lack of sound, realistic, self-reliant, and dynamic state thinking in Bangladesh is why it was possible to introduce a non-political caretaker government system, but this system has plunged Bangladesh into distress. Although we have emerged from the caretaker government system after prolonged movements and struggles, we need to evaluate Bangladesh’s state system, political parties, state thinking and politics, family system, gender relations, administration and administrative activities, legal and judicial systems, labor management and economy, media, education system, and the practice of knowledge, science, literature, and arts to understand the path of Bangladesh. We need to judge the dynamics of action and reaction, conservatism and progressivism. Is there any progressive force in Bangladesh now? Amid current tensions and instability, there are many mistakes and injustices. It is certain that the status quo will not lead Bangladesh to a bright future. While there is a desire to delve into these issues, given the scope of this essay, it seems appropriate to refrain from doing so.

Some people say that the wheel of history in Bangladesh is turning backward. They observe that the progressive trend of intellectual and popular awakening of the 19th and 20th centuries has come to a halt, replaced by the resurgence and advancement of defeated ideas and forces. Their observation and opinion are realistic. Indeed, conservative viewpoints and superstitious trends have gained strength, leaving no room for doubt. The main reason for this is the failure of the progressives.

Currently, it is difficult to find any progressive force in Bangladesh. It is necessary to investigate the cause-and-effect relationship with an unclouded mind. To revive, develop, and activate the trend of progress once more, we must abandon the negative, pessimistic, and regressive perspectives, thoughts, and actions and adopt a positive, affirmative, and constructive outlook, thinking, and approach.

Abul Kashem Fazlul Huq: Educationist and Political Analyst