Why political parties seek state reform rather than themselves?

Politics controls everything in our lives. Yet, with blindfolded eyes, we manage to control politics to some extent. This mutual control is like an illusion or magic, the fog of which has narrowed our vision. With each passing day, it narrows even more. We, the common people, are drifting along with the current, not moving towards greater awareness. As the surrounding system gradually changes, we find ourselves in a situation where, despite being victims of various issues, our voices of opposition are steadily diminishing. Although this is natural! Even when we examine the market, we forget to scrutinize the context of our social lives and surroundings. There are always a few exceptions, whose outcries we prefer to see as "breaking news," yet we never want to imagine ourselves facing their situations.

Thus, crises never leave our path. Even after five decades of independence, we still have to reconsider the constitution, politics, and laws of the country. There are constant calls for reform at every level of the state. The need for intensive and extensive reforms within political parties has been discussed for years by various circles, but in practice, it has not led to any meaningful change. Yet, political parties play a vital role in democratic politics. Political leadership, political parties, and the military are identified by many, including American political scientist Samuel Huntington, as the main driving forces of political development in developing countries. In some cases, other forces such as the working class, bureaucracy, and intellectual communities also demand attention. However, above all, political parties have so far remained the key drivers of the state system.

With the changing times, it is a demand of the era for political parties to become more democratic and more timely. Denying this demand raises doubts about whether a stable and beneficial system can be established. Although there may be disagreements over the process, the demand for internal reforms and democratization of political parties has grown stronger to make the country’s politics cleaner, transparent, and accountable. However, there seems to be little motivation for change or reform within the political parties themselves. If political parties do not reform themselves, no reform will be effective. The proof of how imposed or forced reforms do not yield results can be seen in the role of the military-controlled government in 2007. Despite significant efforts, no desired change could be brought about in the parties at that time.

The first step towards reform is to increase the practice of democracy within political parties. Without this, practicing democracy in the country will not be possible. To bring about change in the country, we must first introduce fundamental reforms in the prevailing political system. We need to clarify what the parties want and how they aim to achieve it. For instance, the BNP has proposed that no one should be allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms as Prime Minister. Why is this not proposed for Members of Parliament? There must be a rule for everything. There should also be an age limit for leadership positions and political retirement. If there is an age limit for retirement from jobs, why not for politics?

Instead of keeping the same faces year after year, new leadership must be introduced. This also means challenging dynastic politics. In our country, nearly every area is controlled by just a few families. These families dominate the elections and repeatedly get elected. This trend must change.
Whether we are talking about big parties or small ones, they are all centered around one individual or one family. There is hardly any provision for leadership selection through secret ballots. The top leaders of the party decide who will be on the committee. This process of selecting leadership must be abolished. Otherwise, we will never break free from the cycle of dynastic leadership. In our political parties, the banners, festoons, and posters often feature large images of party leaders. This means the party belongs to the leader, not the people. This culture must change.

It is important to note here that dynastic politics is not inherently bad. In many places, including Bangladesh, distinguished politicians often come from the same family. This is not a crime. However, when an incompetent person enters politics due to family connections and receives what they do not deserve through the family's patronage, that is the worst form of dynastic politics.

We must examine whether dynastic politics is prevalent in Bangladesh. If there is democracy within political parties and if the party leadership is elected through secret ballots by the party members, then dynastic politics will end. However, if the general members or councillors elect a family member of the current political leadership through secret votes, then it cannot be considered dynastic politics. To create a healthy, refined political culture without dynastic politics, each political party must build a strong democratic structure. Only then, perhaps, will developing countries like ours be freed from the grip of such harmful and negative systems like dynastic politics in the future.

In the current situation of Bangladesh, it is time for political leaders to evaluate the negative aspects of dynastic politics. If political leaders, by considering the harmful effects of dynastic politics, use their intellect and strength through discussions and the exchange of liberal ideas, they could build a balanced democratic political system. This could initiate a revolutionary change in the social life of Bangladesh. Since the fate of this country will largely be determined by political leaders, it is imperative that they take action in this regard.

We have always thought of the world as a home, a place where each of us is connected to one another. We are a joint family. Perhaps, on some moonlit night, some of us even dream of sharing a plate of rice together in communal living. The idea is to live together, in harmony. In this beautiful world, with our short lives, why should we engage in petty mud-slinging, living lives full of noise and conflict? The slingshots we throw should be directed at terrorism, immorality, crime, and deceit. So why do we find these slingshots flying back towards our friends, towards us? We know that we should never throw spit upwards, for it will fall back on us. Yet, we cannot seem to abandon this habit. As a result, perhaps, a certain unhealthy politics is becoming easier in the political arena. The tactics are changing. Madness is taking precedence over development.

In our country, there are dozens of political parties. If they also step forward, opposing reason and thought in a climate of peace, democratic struggle will occur. But we have easily turned voting into a war. In this war, we can only imagine victory. As a result, no one accepts defeat in elections. The defeated party or candidate creates chaos, which only increases political tension. Eventually, this escalates into enmity and violence. We must break free from this trend. Whether as individuals or parties, only by fostering goodwill and maintaining an atmosphere of friendship and unity can we demonstrate a healthy mindset.

Actually, I have not been able to face the mirror for a long time. Whenever I do, it brings up questions of self-criticism, to which there are no straightforward answers, but there are clues. Following those clues, it becomes clear that overcoming self-satisfaction and repeatedly hurting oneself is the way to change oneself or one's surroundings. If everyone wants to change themselves for the sake of peace, then change is possible. Change in thoughts and mindset. Even after much sacrifice and suffering, if our political parties do not move towards reform or change, if they fall prey to the same old issues despite having a golden opportunity, then despair and sighs will have no end.

Chiraranjan Sarker: Columnist.