Published: 12:00 AM, 07 November 2026
State Institutions Start Degenerating When Integrity and Merit Lose Grounds
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed
Before I start writing this article, I'm just throwing some questions to the people’s mind on the issue of state governance by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Is the state now in the way of disturbance? Is it running smoothly? Is it now being governed free & fair? If not, what is the responsibility of BNP? The government for restoration of peace & order. Very recently some incidents have occurred. These have moved people's minds. Some are very terrible in nature which haunts us. People are frightening. They are so panicked & lives are at stake. So considering the mindset & the prevailing unstable situation of the country, I'm going to portray a brief picture of BNP's ongoing degenerative activities & its future course of action on leadership development.
Bangladesh's political crisis is frequently discussed in terms of elections, governance, opposition parties, mass movements, corruption and institutional weaknesses. However, an important dimension often remains overlooked: how prolonged political degeneration has gradually transformed the mindset of the people of Bangladesh. The scenario of political degeneration is stated here. In this context, this refers to a situation in which politics gradually moves away from public welfare, democratic values and ethical principles, becoming an instrument for acquiring personal or partisan advantages. At present it is in the increasing trend. Secondly when ideals, public service and sound political competition are replaced by the pursuit of power, money, influence and opportunities, politics becomes corrupted. Such degeneration is not an isolated political phenomenon; it gradually affects society, the economy, education, administration and even family relationships. These are all old practices, not new but prevailing in society. An examination of Bangladesh's political history reveals that political degeneration has not emerged suddenly. Its foundations have developed through a prolonged process. Particularly over the past several decades, political competition has increasingly become centered on the acquisition and retention of power. As a result, differences of opinion and ideology have frequently turned into personal hostility. Political opponents have increasingly been regarded not merely as competitors but as enemies who must be defeated or eliminated. One of the most alarming consequences of political degeneration is the creation of fear among ordinary people. In an environment where expressing one's opinion may lead to harassment, humiliation or insecurity, people gradually learn to remain silent. Is any progress of changing BNP's side? Another important consequence of political degeneration is the transformation of social values. Integrity, merit, hard work and honesty gradually lose their importance, while political connections, personal influence and opportunities for obtaining advantages become increasingly valuable. This is also a panicked scenario which is defaming BNP.
Political degeneration also encourages a culture of opportunism. People may change their positions or affiliations according to circumstances, not necessarily because of ideological conviction, but because of personal security and material interests. BNP is trying to gain credit over the issue. Political degeneration has also contributed to increasing distrust within society. Differences of opinion, which should be a natural feature of democratic life, are frequently interpreted as expressions of hostility. Consequently, constructive discussion becomes difficult, tolerance declines, and opportunities for reaching common ground are reduced. The normal functioning of a democratic society requires mutual respect, tolerance and the ability to accept differences of opinion. Without these qualities, political competition can easily develop into confrontation and division. The role of the media and social communication platforms is particularly important in this context. Instead of encouraging informed discussion, political polarization sometimes promotes the dissemination of misleading information, exaggerated claims and emotionally charged narratives. Such practices deepen existing divisions and make it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to distinguish between facts, political propaganda and partisan interpretations. Another disturbing consequence is the weakening of public confidence in state institutions. When people perceive that justice, administrative decisions and access to public services are influenced by political considerations, their trust in institutional fairness begins to erode. The rule of law cannot function effectively in an environment where citizens believe that political influence determines the treatment they receive.
The consequences of political degeneration are also evident in social and family relationships. Long-standing friendships, professional associations and even family ties may become strained by political differences. In some cases, individuals begin to evaluate others primarily through the lens of political affiliation, overlooking their humanity and personal relationships. This transformation of public mindset is particularly dangerous because it normalizes intolerance and weakens the foundations of social harmony. With these, it is assumed to me that BNP is lagging in the race. Bangladesh's present crisis, therefore, cannot be understood solely as a political or constitutional problem. It is also a crisis of values, social responsibility and collective consciousness. Overcoming this situation requires more than a change of government or political leadership. It demands a fundamental transformation in political culture and public attitudes. Political organizations must restore the importance of democratic values, accountability, tolerance and ethical leadership. At the same time, citizens must develop the courage to distinguish between right and wrong, regardless of political affiliation. A healthy political environment cannot emerge if individuals continue to justify injustice merely because it benefits their preferred political group. The restoration of public confidence requires fair institutions, respect for differences of opinion, the protection of individual rights and equal treatment under the law. Political reform must therefore be accompanied by social and psychological change. Otherwise, even significant institutional reforms may fail to produce lasting improvements. Ultimately, the future of Bangladesh depends not only on who exercises political power but also on the values, attitudes and responsibilities that guide both political leaders and ordinary citizens. A meaningful transformation will become possible when politics once again serves the interests of the people and when ethical principles, justice and humanity regain their rightful place in society.
Leadership is essential for societal progress, where a visionary leader can elevate a nation, while a corrupt leader can lead it to ruin. Future leadership must implement development projects supported by monitoring systems, digital transparency, and citizen engagement through e-governance and open-data platforms. Strengthening democratic institutions is vital; an effective electoral system, an independent judiciary, an active parliament, and a capable local government form the backbone of democracy. It is crucial to maintain public trust in voting rights through transparent elections, a robust Election Commission, and independent monitoring. Additionally, parliamentary discussions must reflect public opinion, incorporating expert input in lawmaking. Economic inequality and social justice should remain at the forefront of political agendas, as disparities persist despite declining poverty. Urban-rural development gaps, educational inequities, healthcare access, and climate change effects pose significant challenges, especially for a climate-vulnerable country like Bangladesh. Thus, infrastructural advancements in coastal regions, green energy utilization, and sustainable industrial policies are critical. Political leadership should prioritize long-term national interests over partisan objectives to tackle these issues effectively. The journey towards democracy has been tumultuous, with democratic values not firmly established within political party structures or governance. Often, political leaders pursue mandates yet operate with dictatorial tendencies. Successful leadership development emphasizes a holistic, multidimensional, and values-based approach. By learning from history, investing in quality education and training, leveraging technology, ensuring ethics, fostering diversity, and committing to sustainable development, countries can create frameworks for impactful leadership. Effective leadership is ultimately essential for guiding a nation toward stability, prosperity, and long-term progress.
Analyzing the challenges of politics and future leadership in Bangladesh, it becomes clear that developing not only individual-based leadership but also institutional and policy-based leadership is essential. Political parties should practice internal democracy, create opportunities for young people and women to assume leadership roles, and encourage policy-based politics. Civil society, educational institutions and the media also have important roles to play. Through awareness-raising, research and policy debates, they can contribute to improving the country's political culture. Ultimately, the future of Bangladesh depends on leadership capable of taking the country forward through a combination of integrity, competence and foresight. Sustainable democracy can be built upon four pillars: political stability, good governance, inclusive development and institutional strengthening. Now is the time to rise above partisan narrow-mindedness and prioritize national interests. As conscious citizens, we also have a responsibility to verify accurate information, encourage policy-based discussions and support competent leadership. Positive transformation in politics and future leadership can become the greatest driving force in building a stable, prosperous and democratic Bangladesh.
My concern is that I belong to the citizens of the state. There are other citizens, politicians & close associates in BNP. who don’t at all bother with the state. The only reason is that they are double standard, corrupt and hypocrites. Very recently the state is running in the midst of some odd situations. People's lives are at stake. Normalcy & expectations are yet to be achieved. However, nothing to be worried and disheartened. Before I conclude, I should say that we should not be upset, rather be positive, optimistic and patriotic for building an honest, free fair and people’s Bangladesh.
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed is
former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP and
Rotary Learning Facilitator,
Rotary Club, Dhaka Elite.
