For sustainable development to thrive, a country must have political stability. Strong, stable, and transparent political systems experience economic growth, social advancement, and efficient governance. It encourages investment by creating a favourable climate for both domestic and international investors, who are more likely to allocate resources to countries with predictable and consistent policies. It fosters social cohesiveness and trust in government institutions, which are essential for public engagement, involvement, and the successful execution of development projects. Instability hampers efforts to tackle urgent socio-economic issues, leading to fragmentation and failures. Therefore, it is essential for sustainable development since it acts as a catalyst, allowing nations to realize their full potential and improve the well-being of their people.
It is crucial for Bangladesh to now consider the obstacles and possibilities for achieving enduring political stability. For a country with a history of political instability, the recent election has provided an important opportunity to move towards unity and progress. Attaining sustained stability necessitates collaborative endeavours, principled guidance, and substantial improvements.
The situation after the election in Bangladesh presents a combination of opportunities and risks. The democratic exercise witnessed significant participation and calm behaviour, indicating a dedication to democracy among the population. However, it has also revealed deep divisions within the political structure, marked by polarization, mistrust, and disintegration.
Prior to the election, Bangladesh's political environment was marred by internal disputes and foreign pressures stemming from geopolitics and global dynamics, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. Despite challenges, the people of Bangladesh and the government showed fortitude against external influences on the voting process. Their unwavering determination led to a fair and credible election, despite the absence of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
There was a change in attitude from the international community after the elections in Bangladesh as they all recognized the election results and the new government. Still, the government must handle the international community's interests on different areas of the Indo-Pacific and geopolitical challenges carefully. It is essential to balance internal needs with external demands to effectively manage the intricacies of international diplomacy while protecting Bangladesh's sovereignty and national interests.
Political players must prioritize reforms to improve democratic institutions, promote inclusive governance, and enhance transparency and accountability to achieve lasting stability. Strengthening the capacity of state institutions is a crucial aspect of reform attempts to guarantee their autonomy and impartiality in preserving the rule of law and delivering justice.
Political division and involvement
The absence of political agreement in Bangladesh is a significant barrier to creating enduring stability. The BNP's decision to boycott the election highlights the deep-seated differences in the political arena, intensifying unrest and conflict.
It is crucial for everyone involved to go beyond this divided mindset and adopt an attitude of constructive interaction. The opposition needs to go beyond boycotting and engage in moulding the political conversation by providing criticism and constructive input. The ruling party should show a willingness to accept disagreement and provide channels for substantial opposition involvement. Political parties must collaborate to provide a strong basis for national development. Bangladesh can only achieve a more peaceful and successful future through mutual respect, conversation, and collaboration.
Effective political involvement necessitates a readiness to listen, compromise, and discover shared interests. Both the opposition and the government have an obligation towards the nation's interests over partisan concerns and must collaborate towards common objectives. This requires a change in thinking from a zero-sum political approach to a collaborative strategy that focuses on welfare.
Unity within diversity
Promoting unity among diverse groups is crucial for Bangladesh's political environment. The nation has a diverse array of cultures, languages, and identities, which should be acknowledged and accepted as sources of strength rather than conflict. Political leaders should strive to establish agreement on national issues, overcoming political divisions for the common good.
Furthermore, comprehensive political discussions and significant involvement with all sectors of society, particularly underprivileged populations and minority groups, are crucial for promoting social harmony and national solidarity. Bangladesh can create a unified vision for the future by acknowledging and meeting the needs and hopes of all its citizens, regardless of their backgrounds, based on common principles of justice, equality, and prosperity.
Bangladesh should focus on engaging with the international community to build partnerships for sustainable development and regional stability, in addition to implementing domestic policy issues. Bangladesh may improve its worldwide reputation and gain external assistance for its internal reform plans by engaging in multilateral forums and following global norms and standards.
Ensuring political stability in Bangladesh is an ongoing effort that demands consistent dedication, perseverance, and flexibility. It requires forward-thinking policy creation and engaged participation from all parties involved, including political figures, non-governmental groups, businesses, and regular individuals.
Dr Pranab Kumar Panday is a Professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi.
