Perilously polarised society

The tragedy is that when consensus is the need of the hour, at least on fundamental national issues, the two main political parties are constantly venturing to impose their partisan dogmas on the public and are not hesitating to brand the dissenters as traitors to the national cause. Dissent, according to them, is an unpatriotic act. Such mental frame is taking us on a suicidal course thereby obstructing national integrity and encouraging confrontationist postures leading to violence. We are losing sight of the fact that democracy cannot be limited to the holding of election, convening the parliament and formation of council of ministers only. The reality is that democracy is a way of life wherein we must have the courage to listen to a different opinion, the tolerance to respect the views of everybody on religion, culture, language and the patience to obey the rule of law. A free media, an independent judiciary and strong regulatory institutions in their rightful glorious places are the hallmarks of a free society.

All pervasive polarisation
The unfortunate reality in Bangladesh today is that to lead an honourable life one has to be partisan. To retain one's proprietary right over land, secure contract for development work or to even safely build a house on one's own property, one would need the support of the local powerful group or coterie and barring few fortunate exceptions this powerful group enjoys the active patronage and blessings of the political power that be. Newspaper accounts tell us about the unfortunate plight of the political workers of the defeated party following the national election. Such accounts depict the pathetic fugitive existence of the hapless workers who, in the absence of their leaders are forced to live a miserable life. Their misery is further compounded by the institution of politically motivated criminal cases with a view to psychologically and socially cripple the opponents. As a result, the political identity is becoming a hazard for some individuals and groups and consequently, politics is turning into a dangerous business where annihilation of the adversary becomes the principal preoccupation.

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Under such circumstances, there is a desperate and perverted bid to amass money without caring at all for the legality of such acquisition. Politicians of different descriptions make the pragmatic assessment that such ill-gotten money would be handy for self-protection during the likely event of being out of power in the not-too-distant future. The trend, to say the least, is deplorable.

Social dimension
Barring honourable exceptions, politicians of different shades of opinion in our society do not socialise amongst themselves, do not enquire about each others welfare and some are not even on talking terms. Many such politicians despite their being related to each other are not discharging their social responsibilities which, needless to mention are setting unhealthy precedents. On account of such precedents, the future scenario would be one in which our leaders in all walks of life will have little respect for each other and the whole atmosphere will be vitiated by revenge replacing healthy competition. Such acrimonious environment will not augur well for the nation.

We are already witnessing disturbing instances of such polarization. One such incident, allegedly, relates to the opening ceremony of a humanitarian service center wherein the chief guest, a very high political functionary of the government, regretted his inability to grace the occasion at the penultimate hour. The reason given was personal but discreet enquiry revealed that the host's being related to the political adversary of the chief guest was the factor behind such inability. One can only imagine the discomfiture of the sponsors of the function wherein the invitees included the social elites, diplomats and young men and women. Without doubt, such occurrences are not expected in a mature, healthy and cohesive society. These reactions would indicate that to earn recognition and receive state patronage one has to toe the official line and only unquestioned obedience will be rewarded and that relationship with the political opposition will be a liability, if not a constant discomfort.

Virus in the organisation
The polarisation of different occupational and service organisations along the political lines has assumed a fearful proportion. There were times when only a handful occupational organisations were politically motivated but currently, political alignment of such organisations are so disconcertingly manifest that many consider them as a shameful adjunct of the political party. The professional organisations have, unfortunately, moved away from the hallowed objective of advising the authority by their enlightened counseling. By forsaking their intellectual independence they have made an unconditional surrender to the politicians. The partisan behaviour of the opinion-makers have further degraded us as a nation. One may like to know if, we have to continue to indulge in nurturing and promoting the fatal game of inferiority and whether persons devoid of self-respect will be able to truly lead.

One area of heightened concern is the polarisation of the public servants because a biased person cannot truly become a servant of the republic. Allegations are there in the newspapers that politically activated public servants are succeeding in cornering the upright meritorious ones. The appointees of particular years are considered more loyal and pliable than others and are being rewarded as such. As a result, the environment of friendship and camaraderie among public servants are narrowing.

Distrust and doubts are sapping their morale. The difference between government and the state is being deliberately diluted and the distinction between government service and personal service is not realised. Consequently, public servants are reluctant to act fearlessly in an upright manner. The denigration of services is definitely not in public interest because it cuts across the very glorious spirit of impartial and lawful public service. Meritorious students are losing interest in a career of public service which is so vital in the backdrop of our socio-economic reality, in particular reference to the need of non-partisan field administration which is so vital in the backdrop of our socio-economic reality, in particular reference to the need of non-partisan field administration which is required to ensure free elections and nurturing the institutions. There is not much noticeable concern in this regard.

Views of foreigners
The unbridled arrogance and intolerance-ridden postures of our leaders in regard to different national issues amuse and disappoint the foreigners. The failure to arrive at a consensus on such matters discourages the real well-wishers. Many among them wonder how Bangladeshis who have framed such an admirably lofty constitution could be so foul-mouthed in political exchanges and behave so immaturely on the social circuit. They question our actions on the treatment of criminals from a political viewpoint and cannot comprehend as to why the criminal liabilities of a particular time are condoned at another time without undergoing the test of legal process. The integrity and veracity of our regulatory institutions appear less than desirable.

For national development we have to rise above narrow partisan considerations with a view to building an united and integrated society and for that we and none else, have to find answers to the issues raised hereinbefore. Modern state is a contrivance for civilized people to lead a lawful life. The impartial and dispassionate performance of some vital institutions ensure the success of such an existence. Prominent among those are the judiciary, the education system, public service, the media whose lively and positive actions ensure the fulfillment of societal goals and maintenance of its vitality. Of late, we hear unsure utterances of "Failed State" and "Failed Government". If we do not want this denigration and debasement then we must ensure the paternal care of the vital institutions. This sacred responsibility falls principally on the politicians who, however, have to be strongly and actively supported by the judiciary and the media, amongst others.

If merit is not accorded its due in the education system, economic activities are prejudiced by partisan considerations, appointments in public service are politically influenced, then it would not be possible to halt the polarisation and the divisive trends and at some point of time the grim scenario of "failed state" would be a reality. Favouritism and the so-called party loyalty might satisfy a few but will expedite the pernicious social polarisation. In such a scenario, the state will be stripped of its benevolent character and the government will not be truly representatives. Democratic state and society rests firmly on understanding, compromise, tolerance and discussion. We cannot lose sight of the fact that collective efforts of the citizenry and their unity strengthen the foundation of a state. It has to be realised that an elected government after assuming office becomes the guardian of all citizens and therefore, nobody expects discriminatory treatment from the guardian. In Bangladesh, we definitely do not want to live in scattered islands.

Muhammad Nurul Huda is former Inspector General of Police and Secretary to the Government.