Bangladesh - the days ahead
Aziz Huq
Amidst the heartbreaking tragedy unfolding in Gaza came the news of Bangladeshi election results. By most accounts the election was fair, participation was high and the result has been dramatic.
BAL deserves congratulations from all.
Memory flies back to the bitter days of the early seventies when BAL was in power. Since then there has been political merry go round between BAL and BNP.
BNP possibly paid the price for their corruption and poor management and the people voted BAL hoping for a better future.
But this time BAL has won big. Is this a mandate for change? If so, then the question is: Change from what to what. Some people are saying that this election is a mandate against Islam.
The BAL would be under pressure to push for constitutional change to bar Islam from the public square by banning Islamic parties and creating an atmosphere of hatred for Islam.
If the Islamic parties are banned then what might be the result?
There are two possible outcomes: Firstly, such a move might lead to their radicalization and eventual resurgence because Islam thrives if and when under attack. Secondly, such a move might also force them to choose the path of passive, peaceful programs. The second outcome might also reap huge dividends in terms of growth of Islam in Bangladesh. That might be greater than political power sharing.
But Bangladeshi people face harsh and desperate conditions: being victims of political and administrative corruption, massive economic disparity, extremely poor public service and generally callous administrative machinery. BAL needs to concentrate their energy in solving the basic needs of the people and serve them.
Going forward, in the days ahead great responsibility lies on the shoulder of the Islamic scholars and leaders. Days are going to be difficult in the near future. It is important for them to get out of their comfort zones and go out and meet the people, serve them, work for them, be their friends, understand their needs, be vigilant against local goons, protect the poor, the women and the minorities. Frustration leads to inaction and inaction leads to downfall.
They should understand that their primary role is not to win elections and form government and make money but to be active in society in spreading the message of Islam, speak up against social injustice, corruption, nepotism, cruelty, oppression and ignorance.
It is true that political power might help the cause of Islam but that is not an end by itself.
For too long Bangladesh has been led by mediocre leadership. The future leaders have to be different from what we see today. The affairs of leading has to be shouldered by a new generation of leaders.
But, where are the institutions to produce the future leaders? Can the Bangla medium schools, the English medium schools, the Madrasahs, the Cadet colleges, the military academies or the homes do the job?
The new generation of leaders will possess the spirit of sacrifice, hard work, honesty, trust, spirituality, humility and compassion. Grounded on a strong intellectual and spiritual foundation of the Quran and Sunnah, he will be pious, devout and knowledgeable. He will know how to inspire others, be concerned with the welfare of the people and be selfless. He will be a voracious reader. Above all he will be God conscience.
But there has to be institutions to build these foundations and prepare capable leaders to shoulder the massive task ahead. As the future leader grows he has to learn not only how machines work, the human body function, economies run, business/industries are managed but also inspire and motivate people. The institutions we see today are specialized in their narrow fields.
Bangladesh needs leaders with combination of faith, wisdom, honesty knowledge and compassion.
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