I would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to a peculiar sort of political engagement being noticed in Bangladesh. While I have respect for our forefathers, freedom fighters, and martyrs, I believe the nation they had envisioned in creating and what we have now, has a sizable gap.
I had the opportunity of visiting BSMMU recently, and to my utter surprise, I noticed that a huge number of doctors, staff, technicians, nurses were leaving their stations to attend some form of political rally.
Apparently, the rally was organised by Bangladesh Awami League. I did not inquire about the purpose and neither was there any need for it. I began thinking about the rally from the perspective of “righteousness,” as to whether it is okay to abandon your work for a cause not related to your work.
The government of Bangladesh speaks about customer-friendly service and turning the government into an institution that serves the people in the best way possible.
The tax structures and all forms of money received from the public are to be used in the delivery of a well-executed administration for its vital organs like security, health, and other public services. With this notion in mind, a citizen believes that the state is out there serving the citizens’ interests.
When this dynamic falters or is exposed to being a pipe dream, then exactly what is there to shape the mind-set of a citizen deserving his/her due share of the service pledged by the state?
In connection to the rally coming out of BSMMU, I have a few questions, especially upon noticing that the vital departments of this esteemed medical university seemed to be in-operative during this period:
Are these professionals of BSMMU not paid salaries during their extended absence from BSMMU? Are they supposed to serve the nation or a political party? What happens to all the patients during this period of their absence?
Does such behaviour send a message that health ailments should be suspended until they, the doctors and others arrive back at campus? Who will pay for the miseries caused by their absolute engagement elsewhere for a non-medical matter?
What is the administration doing to make sure doctors and other staff (during their respective shifts) are working?
Why should the government allow an administration with such loose control to run such a vital institution? Has anyone thought ever that “Sonar Bangla” cannot be created by the complete void of dutifulness at work? What is the national loss, in terms of money wasted, from the exchequer because the government, and hence the public, paid for their trip for slogan-mongering?
How can we even think about becoming a developed country with such violations of work practice and work ethics, bordering on serious ethical corruption? Why do leaders in politics feel like they have to invite professionals during office hours? Is there any tacit agreement that states, unless you are seen in these rallies, your jobs will be in danger?
These questions also hold true for BNP and other political parties which had been in power and had misused their privileges.
The questions are pertinent if we, as a country, are to move ahead. These questions are not to offend anyone but asked for the high and mighty to reflect on and take corrective measures.
While I place one dozen questions, the citizens of the country expect one dozen answers.
This practice is definitely counter-productive to the development of our nation and clearly sets the tone for all institutions of Bangladesh to not follow suit in what was seen at BSMMU, because such actions severely hinder the services supposed to be provided to the public.
Let us begin to think alternatively, take responsibility, and ensure that crucial institutions are not gripped by dysfunctional politics across Bangladesh.
A country’s soul is lost when systems of governance fails to take shape. Let us resonate coast to coast: “Ashun notun chinta -- notun bhobishshot gori.”
