Deteriorating state of governance

Prometheus Siddiqui :
The independence of this nation has come at a steep price. Countless lives have been lost and ravaged, and it does not only date back to 1971 but as far as 1947. Yet the people of the country have always shown a great deal of resilience and patience, fostering the belief that with the help of democracy they will get to be citizens of a nation that delivers peace and prosperity. No doubt the notion is at the least utopian, but have even the least bit of their expectations been met? If we consider economic prosperity, perhaps we may end up with a grim yes. Estimates disclosed in late third quarter of last year showed per capita income crossing the $1000 mark; given that regional disparities are not very high, the people of the country are fairly better off than what they were a decade or two ago. However, human beings are multi-dimensional, which means they not only seek better livelihood but a better life. That is where the picture turns murky.
The elected leaders of the nation are entrusted with the responsibility of putting the needs of the many above the few. Let alone working for the many, the focus is in general on the few, which consists of the leaders themselves, at times extending to beneficiaries supporting them. The law of the land is meant to be equal for everyone, and it is the duty of the lawmakers to articulate and uphold them with the help of the state machinery. But in this country the law is more equal for some and it turns a blind eye to others. Take the recent indent of the gruesome abductions and murders in Narayangang. Seven individuals are kidnapped and within days their bodies were found floating in a river. At the very onset the government represented by lawmakers and ministers brushed aside political motives, but as time passed by and details began to surface, it was clear that the reasons were very much driven by political strife. The ruling government had woefully failed to tame the local leaders, leading to the rise of an organized crime racket. Presumably the vicious circle involves politically influential families who in the past have been involved in many other fatal crimes to maintain their control over the region.
What came as a shock was when fingers were pointed towards members of a certain law enforcement agency. It was alleged that they were directly involved in the crime in exchange for significant financial perks. As the allegations started gaining substantiation, a few personnel were withdrawn from service but are yet to be brought to books. Treating the matter as business as usual the government formed a committee to investigate the matter; proceedings continue at a snail’s pace. The most unfortunate aspect of this entire matter is certain remarks made by the head of the government, which only brought gravity to the notion that perhaps certain vested quarters are being protected from being brought to justice. This is just one of the many incidents which proves the government no longer consists of individuals who come from within the people, and even if they do, they have forgotten it, and deem themselves above the law.
Today the idea of a government working for its citizens seems farfetched. A recent report from Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) assessing the National Integrity Strategy adopted by the government in 2012 showed that governance has deteriorated significantly. Fifteen institutions encompassing the executive, parliament, judiciary, political parties, police and the media were scrutinized in the study. The results have revealed that the administration is deeply politicized; executives are pursuing their personal interests and a large number of them have been put off duty for political reasons but continue to be paid from the tax payers’ money. The Anti Corruption Commission, one of the branches of the state function which once gained moment now faces downfall. Succumbing to political pressures, the leadership, efficiency, honesty and trustworthiness of the institution are all in question. Political parties are mostly governed by a central rule and lack internal democracy. Upholding people’s mandate is given least priority; instead leaders are occupied in promoting their own interests using force and intimidation. In recent times law enforcement agencies such as the police have been striving hard to change its marred image, however, deep rooted corruption and constant pressure from the legislative and executive branches do not allow it to provide adequate safety and security to the citizens of the country. The judiciary has suffered the most. Even though it is said to be autonomous, the executive branch continues to intervene in its functioning (particularly the lower courts). Tenures of different governments have seen controversial appointments, promotions and removal of judges.
No matter what circumstances prevail in a functioning democracy, the least that is expected when a government assumes power (claiming to have secured the people’s mandate) is that people must have had exercised their voting power during election. Even before the quality of the polling process could be assessed, the fate of the existing parliament was already decided when 153 of the 300 seats were secured uncontested, depriving the people of their basic democratic right. This is a reflection of a gaping hole in the present state of the electoral process. The Election Commission has been losing its credibility over time, and it has hit rock bottom (starting from the national polls in January to the local government elections that took place a few months back). Through uncalled for constitutional amendments using (rather abusing) absolute parliamentary majority the present government in its previous term ensured that no matter what happens to the democratic rights of the people, its aim of retaining power is reached. Regrettably the main opposition despite having many key issues in hand has failed to rally mass support that could have had some positive impact in the state of affairs. Inter party feuds, lack of commitment by leaders, incorrect strategic calls (primarily in building alliances), stained image of party leadership from corruption charges have all amounted to the failures of the opposition in having a constructive role in the country.
All of these lead us to the questions, is our country still of us, for us and by us? What was a once conjecture, is close to becoming a reality. The people are losing their country. What is more important is what are we going to do to change the status quo? Instead of succumbing to this loss, we must fight to retain our rights. Instead of assuming that all hope is lost and the sun has set, we must make conscious efforts to drive a new dawn. No matter what our capacity is, no matter where we come from and what we do, we have to stand up for our nation, if not by doing anything else but raising our voices, because change we can – change we will.

(Prometheus Siddiqui can be reached at prometheus.siddiqui@gmail.com)