The spirit of Bangladesh
Photo: Shafiqul Islam Kajol / Driknews
Congratulations to all Bangladeshis for successfully holding one of the most fair and peaceful elections in South Asia. People have spoken loud and clear by choosing the Awami League alliance to serve the country. This is as much a victory of the peaceful execution of democracy, as it is of Sheikh Hasina whose alliance party won a landslide. Even though there are no fresh faces at the top, there are new visionary leaders who have won seats in the parliament. There are also many who have worked behind the scenes in the past two years to help their parties re-organise. It was a crushing defeat to all who were counting on violence and disarray. The Bangladesh army and the Election Commission have shown much discipline and far-sightedness by deploying a high-tech voter registration system which was pivotal to the election success in 2008 and beyond. We are grateful to them. The world has reacted very positively and Bangladeshis living abroad are proud and excited. To a few observers in the international news media, this achievement is a huge deal simply because we are an “impoverished, Muslim country”; the election is important because the rise of fundamentalism in Bangladesh is seen as a threat. True, but the significance of the 2008 election is greater than that. The men and women of Bangladesh have demanded liberty and dignity again by participating in a democratic election where the new leaders will be held accountable for what they promised. With this election Bangladesh has fully embraced democracy. Now begins the crucial journey to rapid and sustained economic development which is the topmost priority of the new parliamentary government. Throughout history, Bangladeshis have shown an exemplary spirit of innovation and tolerance to their fellow beings, even in the face of unimaginable hardships. Too long this true spirit has been hidden under war, poverty, or corruption. At this critical time, Bangladesh is well within the reality of eliminating dire poverty within one generation. The new government should keep out of the way of this force of innovation and economic/social growth in Bangladesh. But at the same time the government must do some of the hard, but important things it has been hired to do: remove structural poverty by helping those who cannot afford foods, clothes, shelter or medical care; significantly improve the law and order situation (which is inextricably linked with economic development); continue to build international anti-terrorism alliances so that extremism cannot take root in the country. Just a few years ago, India and China were described as impoverished nations with anti-democratic societies filled with human rights abuses. While these countries still are not perfect, they have emerged as the key players in the world economy today. It is incredible how people's spirit can lift a wounded nation. It is a curious combination of a nation's dedication and hard work, as well as the abiding commitment of its leaders. Bangladesh can also rapidly progress in today's world economy if she stays true to her spirit of innovation and tolerance. It will not surprise me if Bangladesh emerges as a world leader in my lifetime.
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