Straight Line
Bracing for change
IN addition to the cynics and hard-boiled critics many citizens are, of late, expressing the view that nothing has changed for the better during the last two years, when expectations for a healthy polity were high.
In fact, some would go to the extreme of saying that we are not only back to square one, we are also in a precarious situation wherein very few would dare to think of change due to the fear and stigma of being branded as misplaced adventurers and consequently abandoned as lone rangers.
While the above views may not be a faithful description of our present socio-political existence, many of us do not realise that, like in all other societies, changes have taken place in Bangladesh. Some of them are noticeable, others are not. There are currents and cross-currents. In the midst of decay and demoralisation new realities have emerged.
If we care to take a deeper look, we find that there is a sizable chunk of our population living in backward times. There is not much education or civic amenities for them, and subjugation of the weak is manifest without much protest.
There is a middle class with a different set of values. The colonial modernisation gave them a modern ethos and a sound administrative framework, which, unfortunately, have not been updated and improved upon. There is still another segment of the population that is at ease with the western world. This group is vibrant, dynamic and forward-looking.
There is no denying that, at a very micro-level, we have the trappings of a fast-emerging global outlook: modern gadgetry, computers, faxes, e-mail, internet, information technology, etc. However, the fact remains that we have contrasts and contradictions. There is near-primitiveness existing alongside state of-the-art technology and revolutionised communication.
The question is, are we going through a process of retrogression or will the forces of progress overcome and win?
Critical analysts of Bangladeshi society tend to forget that, in spite of an atmosphere of gloom and doom, the level of awareness among the masses and the intelligentsia is remarkably high.
There is a strong desire for change at all levels. Those caring to understand and appreciate can see that people are ready to share responsibilities. The all-important question is, what route should we take to free ourselves from the stranglehold of the insensitive elitepolitical and bureaucratic?
One has to admit that some positive changes have taken place in Bangladesh in the last two years. The apparently untouchable high and mighty have been touched, though matters could not be settled as per perceived public expectation. However, some fear of authority and accountability has, hopefully, been instilled in those hearts that wish to enjoy the perks and privileges of public office.
There is, perhaps, reason to believe that the upcoming political masters will not tinker with the functions of a watchdog body like ACC and blunt its edge in their own self-interest.
There is cause for hope when one hears mainstream politicians at the apex telling us that the government of the future will not be overbearing and shall ensure that the private sector shoulders a large part of the onerous responsibilities of building the economic infrastructure; and that the government shall invest heavily in social sectors like education and health for greater good of the greatest numbers.
It is also heartening to hear them speaking about pragmatic issues like food security with a view to building a self-respecting nation.
One may not be far from reality to observe that our educated class is caught in between the cross-currents of modernisation and obscurantism. On one side they see the old values, traditions and social system being eroded by the universal phenomenon of change, and on the other, they hear the slogan of "back to fundamentals" by the reactionary forces.
While confusion and muddle-headedness may be the hallmark of our ruling and chattering classes, the ordinary people are clear on many issues. The common man is deeply religious but wants an improvement in life, and for that, whenever given a chance, he has chosen the progressive, forward-looking secular leaders and parties.
Looking back into the history of the sub-continent, we find that in the 1940s the leadership was in the hands of individuals that believed in liberal democracy. In the historic election of 1970 people voted for the secularists in both parts of Pakistan.
The common man is perhaps wise enough to place religion and politics in different spaces, and believes that worldly affairs are too important to be left in the hands of one group.
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