Politics, a word once associated with principles, ideals, sacrifice and the promise of serving the nation, is gradually turning into a stage of conflict, hatred and humiliation. Where the core spirit of democracy is to respect differences of opinion and reach decisions through dialogue, our politics is taking the shape of a culture of mudslinging. The competition to defeat the rival party today seems to have become a game of belittling, humiliating and personally attacking one another. This culture not only degrades the dignity of politics but silently destroys the mental and social stability of the nation as well.
There have always been disagreements in Bangladesh’s political history, but the courtesy, tolerance and mutual respect that used to be seen among earlier political leaders are now almost extinct. Now political speech rarely shows maturity or respect for differing opinions rather, it expresses hostility. Calling the opposition anti-national, traitors, or conspirators has become common political language. Whether on television talk shows or in parliamentary sessions places that should offer opportunities for democratic discussion there is a competition to denigrate one another. This mudslinging culture is contaminating not only the personalities of leaders but the political consciousness of the whole nation. A nation becomes mature when its politics is competitive yet respectful. But in our political arena, difference of opinion now means enmity. If in power, the tendency is to suppress the opposition if out of power, to reject the government. In this cycle, the place for genuine democracy is steadily diminishing. People are now losing faith in politics because they do not see constructive debate or competition for public welfare. What is visible instead is only humiliation, threats, and politics of revenge.
What is the way out of this situation? We can find an answer by looking at some developing countries. For example, Malaysia or Indonesia can be cited. In those countries parties may disagree politically, but they prioritize the country’s economy and the people’s development. Parties contest fiercely during elections, but after the election both winners and losers work together for national interest. In Malaysia opposition leaders are regarded as respected guests in parliament, and in Indonesia the president takes into account the opposition’s opinions when making many decisions. This culture has strengthened their democracies, and people there can trust their politicians.
If in our country politics could be like that where the country comes first instead of the party, where there is empathy instead of hatred toward opponents the face of politics would change. If a ruling party carries out government responsibilities but the opposition gives constructive criticism and the government considers that criticism seriously, democracy would become more mature. But what we see is exactly the opposite. When political leaders exchange abuses on television, ordinary people learn that civility is unnecessary in politics. As a result, the values of decency, tolerance and morality are being lost in society. This mudslinging culture in politics is creating a kind of despair among the younger generation as well. They view politics as a game of gain, not of ideals. Those who once were driven into politics by patriotism now despise it. This is not only political paralysis but a deep psychological crisis in the nation.
To be freed from this culture, first of all the moral revival of political leadership is necessary. Politicians must remember that opposition does not mean enmity. Difference of opinion is the lifeblood of democracy. If we can accept differences of opinion with decency, politics will regain the people’s trust. Alongside political education in educational institutions, practicing tolerance, civility and dialogue is essential. On the other hand, the media must also play a responsible role. Instead of increasing excitement during talk shows or news coverage, they should encourage mature discussion. Journalists should be conscious so that they do not deepen the divisions between political parties but rather create spaces for dialogue. Most importantly, the people must be aware. Because public reaction controls politics. If people reject humiliating politics, political parties will be compelled to change their language and behavior. If we want politics to be principle-based, then each of us must take responsibility to establish politics of empathy instead of politics of hatred.
Change in the political context of Bangladesh is now a demand of the time. By conducting politics properly, the overall welfare of the people should be the aim of any political party. So that the culture of mudslinging truly disappears. A new stream of mutual respect will come into politics, politicians will be companions rather than rivals on the path of the country’s development. Only then will true democracy be established. And the younger generation must contribute maximally to this establishment of sound politics. In proper politics there will be differences of opinion but not hatred, competition but not humiliation politics will be for the people, for the welfare of the people.
