Reading the recently shared White Paper on the state of the Bangladesh economy has made me realize how urgent it is to stop pointing fingers and start meaningful changes. This paper is more than just a critique. It is a mirror, showing us where we faltered and how we might rise again.
As I reflected on its lessons, I found myself thinking about the past and the future and how the sacrifices of one generation pave the way for another. I am not a grandfather, at least not yet, but imagining a letter from a grandfather to his grandchild felt like the right way to explore these thoughts.
This grandfather, who lived through and fought during Bangladesh’s independence struggle, looks to the future with both humility and hope. He admits his generation fell short of building the nation they dreamed of, but he believes in the promise of a brighter future. A future his grandchild can help shape. For him, this is a second independence, a chance to achieve what they could not.
This letter is not my story but a collective reflection. It calls on the new generation to take up the mantle of leadership and responsibility.
After all, they have earned it. Their sacrifices have made this second chance possible.
It is their time.
My dearest dadumoni,
As I write to you in these final days of 2024, I find myself thinking deeply about what the future holds for you and for our beloved Bangladesh. This year feels like the beginning of a new chapter. The grip of corruption and complacency is loosening, and with it comes a renewed sense of hope for what lies ahead.
It is your generation that has brought about this change, your generation that must carry hope forward, and your generation that must build the Bangladesh we dreamed of but could not create.
This letter to you, my dadumoni, is both a confession and a wish. It is a confession of the lessons we learned too late and a wish for you to lead us toward a brighter future.
Looking back: Where we faltered
You’ve heard the stories of our independence, how we fought for our freedom and built this nation from its ashes. Those were days of pride, unity, and immense sacrifice. But somewhere along the way, we lost our shared purpose.
We allowed corruption to take root in every corner of our society. We celebrated milestones of development but ignored the growing inequality beneath it all. We tolerated mismanagement and complacency, telling ourselves that progress could happen without accountability.
Instead of looking at our own failings, we blamed external factors such as global forces, natural disasters, and anyone except ourselves. Our silence, apathy, and greed eroded trust, weakened institutions, and stifled opportunity. We left you a Bangladesh of broken promises. And for that, I am sorry.
Looking forward: A new beginning in 2025
But today, as we approach 2025, I feel something I haven’t felt in years: hope. While failures of the past are undeniable, the future remains unwritten. This is not just another year. It is our second chance. We have the opportunity to rebuild our nation on the very foundation of justice, opportunity, and progress.
And you, my dear dadumoni, are at the heart of this possibility. Your generation has broken free from the chains of the old ways. You are not only the inheritors of this country’s legacy but also its architects.
This letter is not my story but a collective reflection. It calls on the new generation to take up the mantle of leadership and responsibility
10 pledges for a new Bangladesh
As you take on this responsibility, I leave you with lessons from our failures and hopes for your success. These are not burdens but signposts to guide your way.
- Cherish the truth: Always be honest. Be honest with yourself, others, and the world around you. Demand the same honesty from your leaders. Without truth, we can’t make real progress.
- Hold power accountable: Don’t ever get used to corruption or accept it as something normal. Speak out when you see it, even if it’s hard. Staying silent only makes it stronger.
- Build an inclusive Bangladesh: Real progress means everyone moves forward, not just a few. Always remember a country’s strength lies in how it treats its most vulnerable people.
- Invest in education and health: Fight for schools that actually teach and hospitals that genuinely care for people. These are the things that build a strong and fair nation.
- Support innovation and young people: Encourage the dreamers and those who try new things. Young minds and fresh ideas will shape the future.
- Protect the environment: Take care of our rivers, forests, and air. These are gifts, not just for us but for all future generations.
- Use technology for good: Technology can bring people together or push them further apart. Make sure you use it to connect and grow, not to divide.
- Stand up for justice and fairness: Be fair in everything you do and stand up for others when they’re treated unfairly. It’s not just about you. It’s about creating a world where everyone has a chance.
- Help build strong institutions: Good governments, schools, and courts keep a country strong. Support them, fight for them, and ensure they work for everyone, not just the powerful.
- Never lose hope: Sometimes things seem tough, but don’t let go of hope. It’s what keeps us going and what makes change possible.
The road ahead
My dear dadumoni, this letter is my way of sharing the lessons I’ve learned and my hopes for you. The road ahead won’t always be easy, but it’s full of possibilities. Bangladesh is at a turning point, and your generation's sacrifices have opened the door to a second chance to create the fair, just, and strong nation we have always dreamed of.
You will face hard choices and challenges, but remember, real change comes from courage and kindness. Hold onto the values that matter most. Honesty, fairness, and hope. These values will guide you when the road gets tough.
You and your generation have the strength to do what we couldn’t. The future of this country is in your hands now, and I believe you can build a Bangladesh that truly works for everyone.
With all my love,
Your dada
This letter is an imagined reflection, but its hope is real. As we prepare for 2025, Bangladesh is poised for a new beginning. To all Bangladeshis: Let us remember the lessons of the past while embracing the promise of the future.
Dr Zunaid Kazi is a passionate advocate for Bangladesh. In 1994, he created "Virtual Bangladesh," the first and multiple award-winning website about Bangladesh. His professional career is in AI and entrepreneurship.