With the resignation of the Hasina government amid widespread protests, there is a pressing question about the future of the Awami League. This concern also extends to other political parties, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and their actions following the student revolution. Political analysts are eager to understand how the vacuum left by the Awami League will be filled and the role of significant political parties in Bangladesh.
The BNP appears eager to assume power, a natural aspiration for any political party. Having been out of state power for nearly two decades, it is not an unrealistic ambition if the party is elected through the national parliament elections and a predominantly democratic process.
However, in the wake of such a robust student revolution, the people of Bangladesh anticipate a more democratic approach from the BNP in its party activities. They expect a clear demonstration of how the party has reformed its constitution and organizational structure to lead the country in the future.
Political parties embracing democracy can contribute to stability and legitimacy. A democratic party represents a wide range of perspectives, reflecting the desires of a more significant portion of the population. Members actively participate in decision-making, leadership elections, and policy development. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership and dedication among members.
The lack of these essential elements in the political parties in Bangladesh is a cause for concern. Democratic political parties are considered necessary for providing representation, ensuring accountability, establishing legitimacy, and upholding democratic values, which are critical to the success of a party and the overall health of the democratic system.
After the military regime of Hussain Mohammad Ershad fell in 1990, there was an optimistic anticipation for a thriving democratic environment for political parties in Bangladesh. However, over the past 34 years, citizens' expectations have never been fully realized.
Political analysts and scholars have identified various factors, such as the deep-seated rivalry between the two major political parties, the Awami League and BNP, as obstacles to the formation and expansion of stable, democratic political parties in the country. This rivalry has been associated with authoritarian rule and has led to political instability and violence, impeding the development of a more diverse political landscape.
The political landscape in Bangladesh is characterized by a strong influence of individual leaders rather than institutionalized organizations. This has affected the development of democratic practices within parties, leading to internal conflicts and a lack of succession planning.
Political violence has been a significant issue in Bangladesh, with clashes among party activists, assaults on opposition members, and the use of state power to suppress dissent. This environment of violence and intimidation has hindered the establishment of a more open and competitive political system.
It is vital for a major political party, especially the BNP, to function more democratically within the party in the aftermath of the student revolution
Many political parties, including the major ones, have been criticized for lacking internal democracy, with decision-making often concentrated among a few leaders, which may discourage the emergence of new leadership within the parties. The political system in Bangladesh heavily relies on patronage, wherein political loyalty is reciprocated with government jobs, contracts, and other benefits. The focus is typically on immediate gains rather than developing enduring, stable political institutions.
Widespread corruption in Bangladesh politics has further weakened political institutions and eroded public trust in political parties. Corruption scandals have impacted the major parties, damaged their credibility and hindered their ability to establish themselves as genuinely democratic institutions.
Elections in Bangladesh have faced allegations of fraud, vote rigging, and violence, which have raised questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process and hindered the emergence of new political parties.
Over the past 16 years, the Awami League government and its 14-party alliance have significantly eroded the principles of the 1971 Liberation war. They've been deeply involved in corruption, exploiting the spirit of Bangladesh's liberation war, thereby harming the nation's progress. Instead of a common slogan like, "One Bangladesh, we are all equal, and we should all build the country together," they aimed to capitalize the “Mukti Juddho” as their achievement, which created a deep fracture in the country.
In the previous terms, the BNP demonstrated a lack of experience governing the state. There were also accusations of corruption against BNP leaders. These issues cannot be ignored when brought up by other political parties and stakeholders during academic and political debates. Therefore, it is vital for a major political party, especially the BNP, to function more democratically within the party in the aftermath of the student revolution.
Political parties in Bangladesh should consider including young, educated leaders in their ranks for the upcoming parliamentary election. The selection of qualified candidates with the necessary education, knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities is crucial for nation-building. Additionally, the interim government should discuss the country's future with relevant stakeholders and make well-informed decisions.
Most importantly, the student revolution of Bangladesh has opened a new door to thinking about the future politics of Bangladesh. Therefore, all parties should consider becoming more democratic in their political activities involving party activities and at the national level. Any future government should soon remember the student revolution of August 5, 2024 before any deliberate mistakes and anti-social and anti-national activities.
A national consensus on a critical issue is necessary for political stability and social cohesion. Decisions or policies that are more likely to be accepted by most of the population are more likely to be legitimate. This broad acceptance grants legitimacy to the actions taken by the government or other decision-making bodies, reducing the likelihood of public dissent or resistance.
We can win easily, but we do not know how to capitalize on the revolution. We have won many times before against dictatorship, colonial powers, and West Pakistan rollers to establish democracy, social justice, equality, and economic freedom in the country. Still, our victory was not sustained, and the fruits of victory never reached the ordinary people of Bangladesh. It took almost 53 years for a nation to see a new revolution. So, we hope those cronies will not fade this revolution once again. All political parties’ reformation is a must to see a new Bangladesh ahead.
Dr ASM Anam Ullah (PhD) is an Australian academic, human rights activist, political analyst, and OHS and industrial relations expert. Read previous part