AL's self-complacency

The age of secularism is gone, with current global politics heavily tinged with religious inputs (even US is a follower). Secondly, the local parties have to take policy decision on use of terrorism in local politics; to avoid self-victimization. The failure or decline of a party these days depends entirely on the guidelines set by the current party leaders. Chanting mantras, or counting beads won't sell. Get away from charisma, and offer attractive packages which the lay voters (and their families) can understand, and look forward to (without lottery culture!).

The politicians have to pay attention to political marketing techniques, the political laws of supply and demand, and how to sell services to non-political voters, who are not interested in politics, and like to be busy with their own business. The packaging has to be attractive ; but the sales personnel have to be well trained and behaved not to divert attention to the weaknesses of the other competitive services available in Dhaka metropolis. Beat your own drum, but don't try to silence others. The freedom to differ is there, but the presentation need not be negative the majority of the time. What have you to offer?

That does not mean our politics has to end up at one extreme. There is tolerance in Islam, but the Muslim political leaders ignore it, and go for subjective cosmetic effects, which is misunderstood by some, and criticised by others.

Our political parties work under small footprints. The coverage area has to be broadened, to accommodate others. Poverty-line politics targeted at the illiterate (majority) has a different tune and rhythm. This cannot be applied in Bangladesh today. The awareness level has increased rapidly these decades. Besides, the views of the lakhs of NRBs abroad are ignored, but they play a prominent role in enhancing the economy of Bangladesh. What is not taken into account is the cosmopolitan outlook prevailing even in the rural areas of Bangladesh (relations working abroad).