Latest developments
Bangladesh has been in the midst of a serious political crisis since early this year. The signs were all over, not only within the body politic of the country but in the region as well.
Current developments are, of course, a matter of serious concern to the citizens, but more so to its market expansion and price hike control policy, which is deeply influenced by the rigor mortis that has set in, in the conduct of economic policy. This is evident from the 'freeze" in the normalisation process with businesspersons, the reduced levels of local and foreign investment and the lack of initiative on other fronts.
In democracies, the formulation of reform policy is the preserve of the political leadership, which in consultation with the elected representatives, determines the nation's goals both at home and abroad. Thereafter, the advisers' offices are given the task of preparing the policy options. Once decisions on these have been taken, the professionals are left to ensure their execution. Of course, other stakeholders, such as defence, commerce, the intelligence agencies, are all involved in the decision-making process.
In the case of Bangladesh, the situation has however been different. Its legitimate security concerns, arising from the hostility of political parties on both its flanks, irredentist claims by civil societies, foreign community group and its desire to play a role far beyond its capacities, have combined to enhance the leadership's interest in and focus on the conduct of its reform policy.
All these have adversely affected the nation and its institutions.
But nothing could be as demeaning as what we have witnessed. Foreign countries were not confining themselves to merely monitoring domestic developments; nor were their representatives in Dhaka seeking Foreign Office's briefings. Instead, they were involved in actual negotiations with the country's leadership about a future political dispensation.
In all this, the people of Bangladesh and their national institutions are mere spectators, while the professionals in the public sector service offices are in growing frustration as the country's image takes a beating and its influence gets further eroded.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
Related News
NHRC response to The Daily Star editorial
25 April 2024, 05:00 AM
Letters to the Editor
Destruction of Hargazi Canal
24 April 2024, 08:18 AM
Letters to the Editor
Trapped in a never-ending scroll?
31 December 2023, 13:37 PM
Letters to the Editor
When will the government learn from past dengue outbreaks?
22 August 2023, 03:00 AM
Letters to the Editor
Install fire-escape facilities in every building
17 August 2023, 20:03 PM
Letters to the Editor
Comments