QUALITATIVE change in the political system is a reflection of the long-term hopes and dreams of a nation. But this change does not happen automatically or suddenly; it requires a path of continuous, well-thought-out and structural reforms. Recently, a wave of major change has been seen in Bangladeshi politics, which is an expression of the accumulated anger of the people. For this wave of change to anchor in a stable harbor, we need to pay close attention to some fundamental questions. Because, as history shows, the wheel of a nation鈥檚 destiny does not turn with just a change in the ruler; it is necessary to identify the core flaws of the state and find permanent solutions to them. By qualitative change, we mean transforming politics into a public welfare-oriented and accountable institution by raising it above individualism, corruption and party interests. This is not just a transfer of power or a change of ruler, but rather a process of consolidating the norms of democracy in the basic structure of the state. When authoritarian tendencies persist in the governance system for a long time and elected representatives are unaccountable, democracy becomes a 鈥榞overnment of the corrupt, by the corrupt, for the corrupt鈥�. To overcome this situation, specific, consensus-based structural changes are needed.
Reforms in three fundamental areas are essential for qualitative change in the country鈥檚 politics. First, it is necessary to establish democracy within political parties and ensure financial transparency. Democracy is practically non-existent within our major political parties. Starting from the election of the party鈥檚 central leadership to the taking of important decisions, everything is either in the interests of a single person or a small group, which encourages family rule and nepotism. Until the parties ensure transparency and democracy within themselves, it is a kind of hope for qualitative change in national politics. Organisations like Nagorik for Good Governance, Sujon, have repeatedly called for strict rules in the registration process of political parties and the obligation of financial transparency. If this system is ensured, the access of honest, competent and public-spirited leadership to politics will increase and the influence of muscle power and black money will decrease.
Secondly, it is essential to ensure the independence and accountability of constitutional institutions. For a meaningful election, it is not enough to just make the Election Commission neutral, but its institutional capacity and legal authority must be increased. At the same time, the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Public Prosecution Service and other constitutional institutions must be truly independent and strengthened by freeing them from the influence of the executive branch. In the appointment of the heads of the institutions, not political considerations, but competence and impartiality must be given the highest priority. To make the institutions people-oriented and accountable, it is necessary to create opportunities for public hearings in the working procedures of the national parliament. This will make the parliamentary committees people-oriented and ensure direct participation of the people in the policy-making process of the state. These steps can eliminate the institutional weaknesses that have accumulated over a long time and establish good governance.
Third, policy change and the introduction of a moral economy are essential. The development of the country should not be limited to 鈥榤ega projects鈥� or physical infrastructure, but should focus on developing ethics and morality in people鈥檚 thinking, character and governance. To get out of the 鈥榗rony capitalist鈥� economy and 鈥榣oot system鈥�, it is necessary to ensure strict and effective accountability at every level of the state. Those who have become rich by looting public resources must be brought to justice and given exemplary punishment. This will not only establish the rule of law, but also strengthen the foundation of morality and integrity in politics. Fair distribution of national wealth and ensuring equal economic opportunities for all citizens of the country are integral parts of this qualitative change.
The post uprising or coup situations in various countries teach us important lessons. There are countless examples of how the aspirations of the people can turn gray if the promise of reforms is abandoned after a change of power. For example, South Africa, after the end of apartheid, avoided the path of revenge and ensured human values and stability in society by forming the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It succeeded in building a long-term democratic framework. On the other hand, democratic change in most countries in the Middle East after the Arab Spring of 2011 did not become sustainable. This is because, after the fall of the regime, there was no blueprint for a strong, inclusive and consensus-based alternative structure. As a result, Egypt returned to military rule and Syria and Libya suffered from protracted conflicts. These experiences prove that the passion to overthrow a dictator is not enough, but the strategy and consensus to eliminate institutional weaknesses bring about real change. Despite repeated changes of power in many countries of Eastern Europe and Latin America, corruption and the influence of vested interests have not been eliminated, the main reason for which was the lack of radical constitutional and legal reforms.
The recent mass uprising in Bangladesh has created a historic opportunity to restructure the state structure. If this opportunity is used only to retain power or to focus on another quick election, qualitative change will remain far behind. What is needed now is to build a national consensus with the participation of political parties, civil society and all relevant stakeholders to formulate specific, time-bound and implementable reform proposals in the constitution, electoral system, judiciary and public administration.
Adopt and implement it in accordance with the ideology. The new leadership should learn from the mistakes of the past, set an example of transparency and tolerance and rise above party narrow-mindedness and work for the greater good. In addition, it is essential to build a participatory political culture by increasing citizen involvement. It is clear that the desire of the people of Bangladesh is not just for individual change, they want a healthy, moral and effective political system. To ensure this qualitative change, it is essential to learn from world experience and walk the path of far-reaching constitutional and institutional reforms, not emotions. If it fails, history will not forgive the price of this huge sacrifice of the people. The country鈥檚 future stability and prosperity depend largely on the successful implementation of these reforms.
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Abu Zubier is a poet and doctoral researcher.