“Brother before the vote, who are you after winning?”

Juthika Mitra (Laboni) :

Elections or voting are an inevitable part of any democratic or constitutional state, through which people directly or indirectly elect their representatives. Bangladesh is no exception. Through voting, the people of Bangladesh choose their representatives for five years, whose foremost responsibility during this period is to look after the problems, well-being, and overall condition, good or bad of ordinary citizens.
But in reality, observing the behavior of candidates before elections often makes it seem as though, once elected, problems will run away merely by hearing their names. The question is doing us actually find consistency between a candidate’s behavior before and after elections? Before elections, candidates suddenly transform into the most helpless and humble individuals in the country. They try to convince people that they are the closest to the masses, that they are contesting elections purely for the sake of the people.
They promise that roads in their constituencies will never remain broken, that the helpless, day laborers, and people from all walks of life are their brothers and sisters. With such assurances, ordinary people believe that if they vote them into power, these leaders will stand by them in every crisis after the election. However, as soon as the election ends, candidates’ behaviors change.
The person who was once “one of the family” before the vote becomes a VIP afterward. The leader who used to personally inquire about people and send representatives to their homes two or three times a day suddenly becomes unreachable phone calls go unanswered, and attempts to meet them fail. After the election, one needs prior permission just to see them.
The grand promises of development made during the campaign no longer match in reality. Instead, they become busy figuring out how to fill their own pockets and the people are forgotten. That said, candidates alone cannot be blamed entirely. As elections approach, the circulation of money in constituencies increases. Sweet boxes, biryani packets, tea and snack money are distributed door to door through party representatives. When someone hands over money, many think, “What harm is there in taking it? I’ll vote anyway.” This gradually erodes integrity and strengthens the power of money.
As citizens, the responsibility of safeguarding the country lies with everyone. Therefore, during elections, citizens must not fall into emotional traps but must choose worthy candidates wisely. If elected representatives stand by ordinary people even after elections as they do on the first day of campaigning, a wave of development will flow through every sector of the country. Gradually, the nation will be filled with peace, prosperity, and progress elevating Bangladesh to a unique position on the global stage.

(The writer is a student, Eden Mohila College Email: [email protected])