The double standards of selective indignation
Bangladesh must avoid allowing extreme factions across the political spectrum to shape the identity of the state it aspires to build.
Justice, Outrage, and Political Hypocrisy
While exceptions exist, the prevailing norm in Bangladesh suggests a deeper issue: justice is rarely upheld as a sacred principle. Instead, it is often wielded as a partisan tool, shaped by political convenience. Outrage, rather than being a moral stance, is selectively directed to serve vested interests.
Historical Moments of Unity
Bangladesh has twice witnessed fleeting unity: during the fall of Hussein Muhammad Ershad and the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. Despite these opportunities to build lasting solutions, failures in governance and political culture undermined progress. A reassessment of past shortcomings is essential to avoid repeating mistakes before embarking on significant constitutional changes.
Institutional Reforms and Leadership
Bangladesh needs strong institutional frameworks, including a functional opposition, empowered MPs, and active parliamentary committees, to ensure accountability. Alongside policy reforms, the conduct of political leaders must improve, prioritizing integrity over partisanship.
Challenges of Reconciliation
The Awami League's enduring support base and its unacknowledged transgressions present a significant obstacle to reconciliation. The legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman remains divisive, while figures like Jamaat-e-Islam and Hefazat-e-Islam complicate the narrative further with their refusal to confront past atrocities or embrace accountability.
Selective Morality and Political Polarization
Bangladesh's political landscape is plagued by selective morality, where injustices are ignored unless aligned with ideological interests. This hypocrisy transcends political lines, from the persecution of BNP members to silence on critical events like the BDR mutiny or the Shapla Chattar crackdown.
The Path Forward
The nation's future lies in centrist, pragmatic politics and the ballot box. Bangladesh must resist the influence of extreme ideologies, allowing voters to decide its course. Democracy, though imperfect, remains the best path to reconcile competing narratives and build a resilient society.
Democracy demands patience and discipline, beginning with informed voting and robust governance within the rule of law. Only through consistent, credible elections can Bangladesh overcome its divisions, absorb its contradictions, and secure its place as a stable and thriving democracy.
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