Politics of 'khatir'
This type of political culture had been the cause of ruin in many newly emerging countries (analyse the African nations). It breeds corrupt practices, which soon become institutionalised. The base became porous resulting in financial collapse in Asia in several developing countries in the late 1990s. In South America the same virus prevails.
Morally it is a fight with materialistic temptation. The intolerance exhibited by some political parties is something different. Democratic practices develop on patience, tolerance, and respect for other players in the field, (and those outside the political filed). Thus the 'winner-takes-all syndrome has emerged. Remaining in the opposition, and to wait patiently for five long years, is not attractive for obvious reasons. Add one more factor: boycotting the parliament sessions. Thus the main arena of political activity is transferred to street agitation, which results in violence and law and order situations. The hate campaigns snowball, and man's inhumanity to man comes up front on the stage. Goodwill and benevolence have long since retired from society.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. In Dhaka, the problem is deeper than the peculiar behaviour of the political parties. The very political base (approach to issues) has been polluted and made subjective, thereby cornering objectivity in tackling issues at the national level. A society thus divided into virtual factions cannot do well to itself, as the cementing bond of consensus is missing. Who will correct the politicians?
The wrong base has to be shattered and new politics built up on new lines. It is a huge waste of time, energy and resources, which no LDC or DC can afford. Thus we have wasted three decades in useless bickering, and the future is not bright. These are no base for a new type of evolutionary leadership. So, it appears, ad hocism in changing leadership would continue for sometime.
As an ordinary citizen, I have no solution to offer. True leadership is a super-refined speciality, cultivated for a lifetime. Even the head of the super power state is fumbling. What can we expect from the leaders of the most 'corrupt nation' in the world?