Balanced democratic growth
THE basis of democracy is not maximum consensus. It is the tenuous middle ground between imposed uniformity and implacable hostility. In the process of the genesis of democracy, consensus enters at least at two points: (a) a sense of community that is above mere opinion and mere agreement, and (b) there must be a conscious adoption of democratic rules which enlarge step-by-step the area of consensus as democracy moves down its crowded agenda.
Bangladesh achieved freedom through an armed struggle from a country in which democracy could not work for long, only 12 years (1947-58) out of its 24 years (1947-71) of independence. Even under Pakistani military rule, the people of Bangladesh never lost their love and respect for democracy.
Bangabandhu was assassinated through a conspiracy hatched by some misguided army personnel on August 15, 1975. These people failed to realise that the essence of democracy is the habit of dissension and conciliation over changing issues. With the assassination of Bangabandhu, Bangladesh lost its way to democracy and the anti-democratic forces started regaining power and influence.
Through a democratic struggle, Bangladesh restored democracy in 1991. Despite democratic rule for 15 years (1991-2006), no serious attempt appears to have been taken by the ruling parties to democratise their parties. Instead, the politics of retaliation started developing rapidly because the majority of politicians appeared to be more interested in acquiring power, prestige and positions, and less interested in democratising their parties or strengthening the democratic institutions in the country.
There is profound truth in the axiom that Bangalees are resilient, intelligent and democratic. They fight against dictators and natural calamities, and continue the struggle to attain true democracy.
The nation went through a strange political event in January 2007; the emergence of a civil-military government with no accountability. This government appears to have attempted to rule the country by degrading Bangladesh politics and its politicians. It failed to fulfill its desire. It had to give up power after a couple of years (2007-08) because of the strong demand by the people for restoration of democratic order. A national democratic government was set up through a national election held on December 29, 2008.
Though we have a democratic government, we have to achieve more to make Bangladesh a truly democratic country. This needs realisation of our leading politicians, particularly major political parties, that so long as the parties' constitutions are not reformed to make them democratic, so long as they do not eschew the path of political confrontation or retaliation, so long as they are not convinced of the need for tolerance and secularism, setting up of a true democracy remains the dream of the people of Bangladesh.
The council election of BNP was held on December 8. Initially, it elected the chairperson and created a new post of co-chairman. Committee members were selected by the chairperson. Though was successfully held and the new generation of politicians has been given more importance, no sign of a change of attitude toward democratising the party was apparent.
Balanced growth of democracy needs adequate participation of opposition parties in state affairs, which ensures consensus to a large extent, encourages economic growth and assists social development. Thus, the present trend of politics of confrontation must change to ensure smooth operation of democracy in Bangladesh. Though the main responsibility for developing politics of cooperation lies with the party/parties in position, the opposition parties must not be oblivious of their role in guiding the government toward setting up democratic order. This, however, needs love and respect for democracy.
Our major political parties should be fully aware of the fact that the political disaster in January 2007 was brought about by their indiscreet confrontational politics. They should be watchful about the emergence of anti-democratic militants or tyrannical rule. Politics of cooperation will enable the government to be bolder, more confident and more efficient in delivering greater good to the people.
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