The New Nation - Internet Edition

BANGLADESH now stands at the crossroads where there is no other option but to establish democracy in all walks of life. Politics free from corruption under capable leadership could have transformed the country into a full-fledged democracy during the last 36 years since independence. But due to the absence of rule of law, rampant corruption and anarchy, involving politics of violence and extermination by political perpetrators who got away with impunity, prevented democracy from flourishing Democratic institutions could not be strengthened and values that help democracy to grow could not be inculcated in the political leaders. When corruption continues to prevail democracy tends to perish and without democracy no social and economic development is possible in the long run. Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed has reiterated that corruption destroyed democracy and the country. He said this while he was speaking to a section of the Bangladeshi expatriates in the US recently. Terming corruption an obstacle to democracy, he said that corruption must be checked for establishing democracy.

Near about four decades have passed since Bangladesh achieved independence. The birth of the country could have ushered in an era of democracy. But democracy failed to penetrate its roots and so, became weaker and weaker while corruption and political anarchy became more intensive and strong. Now the situation in the country is such that corruption has not only belittled Bangladesh's prestige internationally but also eaten into the very foundation of economic development of the country. Anarchy and lawlessness have developed to such an extent that top ranking statespersons indulged in rampant corruption and placed themselves above transparency and accountability. The situation deteriorated to such a serious and alarming proportion that rival political workers were killed in broad day light, all in the name of political struggle for so-called democracy. Those who were really in a position to establish democracy resorted to all those self-seeking pursuits. At present, Bangladesh has but one possible option before her: to go for democracy and development. In the present situation, democracy, among others, can save the country from the impending ruination. So, establishment of democracy has posed before the nation as a challenging task. But democracy cannot be consolidated until and unless the country is freed from the clutches of corruption. Eradication of corruption and establishment of democracy are actually two aspects of a single process - the first will prepare the ground for the latter, and vice versa.

Establishment of the independent Anti-Corruption Commission and the Election Commission are only the initial steps of the journey of a thousand miles. They, while very important and indispensable, are just a few steps to and the beginning of the institutionalisation of democracy. The state administration must be made transparent and available for public scrutiny. All statespersons, politicians and public servants, must be made accountable for their activities. It must be turned into a culture. Without these, democracy will be short-lived and distorted. There is a tendency to equate and limit democracy to elections. But past experiences showed that mere elections and constitutional provisions failed to guarantee sustainable democracy in Bangladesh. The holding of a free, fair and impartial election to the Parliament is not an end in itself; it is a means to that end. The process of establishment and consolidation of democracy must be pursued vigorously for this.