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BANGLADESH’S democracy is at risk as it seeks to reform state agencies before holding a national election to establish a sustainable democracy. While the interim government prioritises agency reforms over the election, law and order and non-violent political environment rapidly deteriorate. A strong political culture is essential for ensuring a sustainable democracy.

Constitutional reform is crucial, yet it is unlikely to ensure good governance, accountability and a healthy democracy. While in power, political parties have amended the constitution several times, including establishing a non-political caretaker government, which a party in power later removed to undermine the voting rights of people. Therefore, in addition to reforming institutions and making the constitution a binding guide for all citizens, it is high time, the last opportunity, perhaps, for political parties and their leaders at all levels to reflect on how they serve the people and uphold credibility within their communities.

Politicians must change their attitudes, values and political culture to ensure the sustainability of democracy. Since independence in 1971, the political culture — particularly mutual respect, trust, cooperation and national integrity in political leadership — has not evolved robustly. Specifically, the Awami League fostered a culture of violence, fear, intolerance and enforced disappearances along with beating and killings, rather than promoting coexistence in politics. The uprising against the former government’s fascism has created a fresh opportunity for reflection among political parties and leaders. Are politicians genuinely acting in people’s interests?

As time passed, global politics continued to evolve, shape and reshape, but the political landscape in Bangladesh has not developed in 16 years. Many Bangladeshis reside temporarily or permanently in prominent democratic countries such as Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. They are familiar with democratic practices and understand that both agreeing and disagreeing are constructive aspects of democratic political norms. Disagreement does not necessarily signify the end of opportunities for further discussion aimed at finding a common ground for agreement.

In some cases, dissent is more prudent than hastily concurring on critical issues that may not have an immediate negative impact on individuals but could lead to long-term consequences for the nation. Political party leaders should frequently meet and engage in both informal and formal discussions to maintain political harmony and amicable relationships. They can adopt and implement these political norms both inside and outside the parliament to foster a supportive political environment.

Many of us who live abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom and Canada, may have witnessed how effectively the ruling and opposition parties debated national issues in the parliament and subsequently voted to address the problems. Although the ruling and opposition parties occupy opposite sides, they tend to reach a consensus sooner, rather than later, on national interests or bilateral issues with other countries. Unfortunately, political leaders of Bangladesh’s former ruling party rarely exhibit a sensible approach towards collaboration with different political parties, show mutual respect and facilitate dialogues on national concerns, such as corruption, terrorism, free and fair electoral process, or long-standing bilateral issues, such as the Ganges and the Teesta water-sharing disputes, the killings of Bangladeshis in the border, trade imbalance, with neighbouring countries. Instead, we have observed a tendency to blame one another even when the issues at hand pertain to the country’s interests.

Treating political opponents as enemies is a destructive approach to politics and democracy. The people have witnessed how activists from the former ruling party, along with state agencies such as the police, have used the politics of vengeance to victimise political opponents through enforced disappearances, false criminal charges, killing and kidnapping. This time, people hope that political leaders will cultivate a violence-free political culture where all parties exhibit tolerance and mutual respect for one another’s opinions and views without resorting to blatant conspiracies that aim to undermine political careers. Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, could convene a national political convention to establish common principles and practices for all political parties.

For building a consensus in the convention, the political parties can consider the areas that include national integrity, interests, sovereignty, fighting terrorism and violence, combating corruption, practising mutual respect, building trust and culture of cooperation, accountability and transparency, fighting discrimination, practising tolerance, creating opportunities for honest, transparent and talented people in the state and politics, building social ties and bonds, practising and promoting democracy in political parties, practising zero interference in the judiciary and the law enforcement agencies. A few areas likely to be a common ground that all political parties can agree on have been further expanded to provide insights into their importance.

All political parties put national interest, integrity and sovereignty on top of all other priorities. Despite their political differences, all parties, civil society and individuals should prioritise national interests, integrity and independence, standing together to uphold these values. Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary general, remarked, ‘What governments and people do not realize is that sometimes the collective interest — the international interest — is also the national interest.’ This quotation suggests that people often overlook the national interests, focusing instead on local or individual benefits. Bangladesh’s foreign policy does not endorse interference in other countries and believes in friendship for all but malice for none. With this foreign policy in mind, political parties must be cautious when addressing any bilateral issues with other countries. The ruling party should carefully consider all bilateral matters and prioritise the country’s interests before signing any agreements.

All political parties must fight terrorism unitedly. Terrorism, including political violence, is the biggest threat to civilisation and democracy. The roots of terrorism can be numerous — for instance, marginalisation, discrimination, fundamentalism, poverty, power and geopolitics. If we belong to our soil, respect our sovereignty and intend to defend our dignity as a Bangladeshi nation, we must fight together to eliminate terrorism from our soil. Terrorists do not have a political identity or colour. They are enemies of every individual. A Swedish politician, Anna Lindh, said, ‘Terrorism can never be accepted. We must fight it together, with methods that don’t compromise our respect for the rule of law and human rights or are used as an excuse for others to do so.’ Political leaders in Bangladesh, whether ruling or not, must work together to eliminate terrorism and political violence from the party and society. We must handle terrorism with zero tolerance; if required, we will enact laws and regulations that are as effective as possible.

All political parties must combat financial corruption together. Corruption undermines social justice, dismantles social structures and places the country at economic risk of bankruptcy. Many of us have already learnt of the extent of the former government’s corruption. A developing nation cannot bear the weight of corruption where millions of young people lack employment opportunities essential for living with dignity. The July-August uprising was a cumulative effect of the previous government’s corruption, nepotism and brutality. Politicians must remember that they owe a debt to this younger generation who defied the bullets and fought to eliminate the godfather of corruption from our land.

The young generation no longer wishes to witness any more godfathers stealing billions of dollars from banks and development projects. They will not halt their struggle until the political party rectifies itself and puts an end to corrupt politicians with a firm hand. Angel Gurria, secretary general of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, stated, ‘Integrity, transparency and the fight against corruption have to be part of the culture. They have to be taught as fundamental values.’ Political parties should consider initiating discussions on integrity and transparency to combat corruption.

All political parties must fight against discrimination in society. Society or the state falls apart when practices and policies provide differential treatment, especially on the grounds of age, sex, kinship, ethnicity, skin colour, religion, tribe, disability and political beliefs. Discrimination starts in the family and then perpetuates in society, institutions and the state. Political parties must uphold the spirit of equality and equity wherever applicable in their day-to-day activities. Specifically, the parties should have equitable policies to ensure a fair selection process in identifying leadership and upgrading political workers from one position to another.

Applying a fair and transparent process in political parties will help to ensure a healthy leadership competition that will ultimately impact the state-level public agencies to stop discrimination and biases in recruitment. Martin Luther King, Jr said, ‘I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.’ Martin’s quotation is symbolic and inspirational to driving a society to be free from discrimination. The political parties must act from now on and create a culture of treating everyone equally when there is time to nominate or select people for any position or responsibility of the party.

Democracy is the heart of a free nation. All political parties must value, practise and defend it. The constitution alone cannot guarantee a country’s democracy unless political leaders value it, believe in it and practise it, including choosing leaders for the parties. Edmund Randolph, the founding attorney general of the United States, said, ‘None of the constitutions has provided sufficient checks against the democracy.’ This quotation implies that the constitution is not enough to safeguard democracy.

Democracy lies in empowering the people to choose the people for their government. In this case, politicians should remember Abraham Lincoln’s potent and meaningful quote: ‘Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’ Not only should politicians use this quote as political rhetoric, but they should also apply it to their political spheres and activities. The approach and attitude of ruling party leaders, particularly the house leader or prime minister, towards the opposition political party leaders can make a meaningful difference in sustaining and promoting democratic norms and practices.

A healthy democracy ensures people’s inclusivity in government activity and action. However, a group of politicians of the previous and even the current government speak non-sensibly in front of the media or the public, perpetuating unnecessary debate and chaos. Because of those substandard comments, some people feel neglected. As Thomas Jefferson said, ‘That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part’, so political leaders, particularly those who are either members of the parliament or ministers, should be cautious about marking remarks or briefing the public or the press. People watch their language, the level of knowledge, attitude, approach and politeness. Politicians seem to be perceived as the most knowledgeable and respectful people in society, but the people in Bangladesh and the international community observed how derogatory and humiliating words the former prime minister, ministers and her collaborators used.

In a parliamentary democracy, the prime minister should be someone whose door is open to opposition parties and the public. Although a leader takes on the role of prime ministers with the mandate and support of a specific party, once appointed by the president and sworn in, the prime ministers are no longer solely tied to their party. they are the prime ministers for all people, including those who did not vote for them. As head of government, the prime minister should set exemplary practices to create opportunities for opposition parties, even if they are in the minority in the parliament.

There is an Irish blessing saying, ‘Anything that keeps a politician humble is healthy for democracy.’ In a parliamentary democracy, the opposition party is a part of the government system despite their size in the parliament, so the prime minister’s humble approach can transmit vibrancy in national politics. For instance, the prime minister can consider organising informal dialogues with key opposition leaders to exchange ideas and get to know their concern about national or ministerial matters. This initiative can be a stepping stone in establishing a political bond between the ruling and opposition parties.

A British statesman and Conservative politician, Benjamin Disraeli, said, ‘No government can be long secure without a formidable opposition.’ So, the more potent the opposition in the parliament, the stronger the government will deliver its commitment. Beyond the parliament, the prime minister’s office can organise ‘questions and answers’ sessions for the prime minister. During these sessions, particular groups, including farmers, students, garment workers, workers, women and teachers, can ask questions. This initiative can help the government to learn from the ground and be accountable and transparent to people. John F Kennedy said, ‘Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.’ So, the country needs an enthusiastic leadership that spends time learning the reality from the people.

Political institutions or parties should foster a culture of cooperation, integrity and trust to build an environment for sustainable democracy. The political parties must collaboratively combat corruption, terrorism and discrimination to create a Bangladesh where everyone can exercise their rights, use their talent for the nation’s prosperity and live with dignity and peace. Moreover, the political leadership must believe that all citizens are owners of the country and have adequate opportunities to participate in the decision-making process and own the country’s achievements and failures.

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Aminul Khandaker is an international development professional.