The essential tenet of politics is to promote actions and policies to gain or maintain power in a government or to influence those in the office. Dealing with critical issues of national concern, such as representation and participation, governance and decision-making or power and resource allocation requires competent leadership with a crucial ability to make informed decisions. Good politics fosters trust between the government and citizens.
Ethical politics, where governance is conducted with integrity, empathy and efficiency, that aims to meet the needs of all citizens is vital to creating a stable, just and prosperous society. Justice, as mentioned in the Qur’an, is also the epitome of Islam. Imam Ghazali rightly stated that “a country can survive under Kufr (disbelief), but it cannot survive under Zulm (injustice).”
The global political culture
The global politics of today, especially that which is led by the most powerful nations, lacks statesmanship and basic ethics and is primarily about ‘my country over everything, whether right or wrong’. Leaders are known to be beholden to a small coterie of big money powerful lobby groups and an unscrupulous media. As a result, the ethos of right against wrong is rarely practised, especially when it comes to dealings with less powerful countries. For centuries, the world has witnessed the leaders of more powerful nations bent on harming those that do not bend to their will, and many have had firsthand experience in recent times. Many of these political leaders have mastered the art of doublespeak and beggaring others with deceit both directly or indirectly.
In the aftermath of the carnage from World War 2, coinciding with the end of colonialism, the world has borne witness to a new era of neocolonialism with illegal military interventions, imposition of authoritarian regimes and disinformation campaigns to maintain their political and economic hegemony.
In an increasingly connected world, or a global village, countries that seek to maintain their sovereignty must empower all their citizens with better education and a patriotic zeal to stand on their own feet. They must learn how to challenge hegemonic powers by arming themselves with economic self-reliance, securing cultural and information sovereignty, improving regional cooperation or building strategic alliances with greater confidence and resilience.
The dire need to cleanse Bangladesh’s politics
Bangladesh, a nation with a turbulent political history marred by corruption and violence, recently witnessed a significant shift in August 2024 when a student-led movement successfully ousted the entrenched autocratic ruler, Sheikh Hasina. This event sparked hope and determination amongst citizens for a future that must be defined by ethical governance and competent leadership at all levels in the country.
For over a decade, Bangladesh’s students have never had a taste of democracy and never had any credible election to participate in. Their only experience was brutal political repression at every level of the society and bottomless corruption across every tier of government. They experienced gross human rights abuses, gangland-style violence, police harassment, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The judicial system was left to bleed.
The overwhelming population lived in fear and shed tears in silence, with no light at the end of the tunnel. Diaspora Bangladeshis, the majority of who send large remittances to Bangladesh and dreamt to see a prosperous and dignified country to be proud of, felt traumatised. Furthermore, the student population experienced violence and terror by the government supported student parties at campuses and dormitories in their educational institutions. The environment of learning was all but missing. To add insult to injury, discrimination in public sector jobs in the name of an outdated quota system further exacerbated the animosity.
Divisive politics for political gain, characterised by the ruling party, had long plagued the country. Such practices, particularly in the last 15 years, rose astronomically and have sown seeds of further discord in Bangladeshi politics. Corruption has corroded state institutions as well as the moral fibre up and down the country. Whilst the private sector economy was doing relatively better, resources meant for public welfare were diverted into private and corrupt hands, perpetuating massive inequality and poverty. High levels of corruption across various sectors stifled the economic growth in fundamental areas of life.
Orchestrated violence, used as a tool to suppress dissent and maintain control, exacerbated the rot at every level of the society, threatening individual safety but also eroding basic democratic principles and civic participation. Ordinary students finally had enough of the injustice and rose against it, taking to the streets across the country and suffering heavily. But with massive public support pouring in and huge sacrifices they did the unthinkable.
How to encourage ethical and competent politics?
The student-led movement that culminated in the removal of Sheikh Hasina represents a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s chequered history. Driven by a desire for change and justice, the movement mobilised citizens across generations, transcending traditional political divides. It truly demonstrated the strength of people power, i.e. the power of determined collective action and civic uprising in fighting unparalleled injustices.
To open a new era of people-oriented ethical politics, Bangladeshis must focus on several key areas:
- Institutional reform: Strengthening democratic institutions and frameworks of governance is crucial. This includes electoral reforms, ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations, and enhancing the independence of the judiciary.
- Anti-Corruption measures: Implementing robust anti-corruption measures and enforcing accountability for corrupt practices are essential. This can be supported by empowering anti-corruption agencies and promoting a culture of integrity in public service.
- Promoting civic and political ethics: An ethics-driven robust civil society behaves as the eyes and ears of a nation. Investing in civic education to foster an informed and engaged citizenship ethos is vital. Fostering social, life and entrepreneurial skills in the education system instilling democratic values, rights, and responsibilities amongst citizens is central.
- Youth empowerment: The student-led movement exemplified the potential of the younger generation as catalysts for positive change. Bangladesh should continue to empower constructive youth voices and initiatives in shaping its future.
- Creating positive political culture: Encouraging a shift towards inclusive, people-focused and service-based ethical politics rather than divisive and toxic politics. This requires political parties to prioritise national interests over short-termist partisan agendas.
- Enhancing positive asabia or group solidarity: Inculcating the ethos of social solidarity, not blind nationalistic rhetoric, with an emphasis on morally-driven shared purpose, unity and national values helps a nation rise up.
Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture, where the momentum generated by the recent movement can pave the way for a brighter future. By addressing the root causes of divisive politics, corruption, and violence, and at the same time by promoting ethical governance and competent leadership, Bangladesh can realise its full potential as a prosperous and inclusive nation.
The path ahead is indeed challenging, but a nation where the young generation with patriotism, commitment and positive religious teachings is in the driving seat has immense potential to rebuild and reclaim its pre-colonial glory. An ethical, transparent and accountable politics is an indispensable ingredient for Bangladesh’s all-inclusive renaissance.