Leadership famine
Some countries in the third world experience various types of famines, which are highlighted in the mass media. But in Bangladesh, one of the most deadly types of famine is not highlighted enough: lack of correct political leadership.
We have some right type of personalities in the society, but non-politicians have hardly any standing in the society, and draw scant respect from the elected representatives in 'democratic' set-up. Powerful vested groups do not desire the right type of changes in political culture (for self-interest).
There is staleness in the culture which is sapping the energy of the young nation. The young generation is being misled, therefore the future of the nation is not bright.
In an LDC, there are two hurdles: the high density of population, and low standard of living. The negative cumulative effects begin to appear decade after decade, as we see in capital Dhaka today. We won the Liberation War in 1971, but freedom of mind does not come in mere nine months.
The misuse of power and position is shocking. This mindset was encouraged by the domination of two political parties during the last four decades (the so-called umbrella effect). Regular elections are no solution, as powerful back door methods prevail.
The question naturally arises in the minds of the citizens: why we cannot produce leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Lee Kwan, Mahathir, Gandhi, Churchill (and others). The current style is selling past names.
The challenge comes on taking the unknown road to the future destination. The concept for CHANGE has been incorporated in the manifesto of the political parties, but the base or foundation has to be examined carefully (motivation and long-term effects). There is the tendency to cling to power by hook or by crook, based on sycophancy.
Today we find that the society has practically disintegrated morally, and violence in all sectors dominate life-styles. Tolerance in politics and public life is virtually absent, and black wealth rules the day, (while there is no social status for our farmers who feed us).
The main causes for the lure of urban migration are the injection of capitalism in democracy, and centralisation of power. Plain living and high thinking is possible only on paper, (especially in this global village).
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