Popular mandate and the road to consensus and change
The country finds itself at a defining crossroads. Political parties have begun engaging with the National Consensus Commission by submitting their recommendations across six critical areas. Differences of opinion are inevitable in any meaningful dialogue about systemic change. The true test lies in navigating these divergences to arrive at a common minimum reform programme (CMRP) that can steer the country forward.
Two critical questions now loom large over this transition. First, will political parties genuinely engage in dialogue to reach consensus? The answer lies in recognising that all stakeholders stand to gain more from cooperation than confrontation. The experience of other transitional democracies shows that when political survival becomes tied to reform implementation, even rival parties can find common ground. The current crisis has created sufficient mutual vulnerability to compel dialogue, provided mediators maintain neutrality and the process remains inclusive.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Second, how can resistance from vested interests be overcome? The entrenched opposition from these groups represents perhaps the most formidable obstacle. Counter-strategies must combine institutional restructuring with popular mobilisation. Establishing independent oversight bodies with public participation can check bureaucratic obstruction, while transparent asset declarations and conflict-of-interest regulations can weaken the rentier system. Crucially, sequencing reforms to create early wins that demonstrate tangible public benefits will build momentum against resistant factions.
The oligarchic model of governance has left Bangladesh's political institutions weakened, its economy distorted, and its bureaucratic apparatus compromised. The only viable escape from this quagmire is through the restoration of genuine popular sovereignty, where the electorate becomes the ultimate arbiter of the nation's trajectory. No sustainable reform can take root without first securing the people's trust and explicit mandate.
The case for an elected government with an undisputed mandate extends beyond political legitimacy to economic necessity. History shows that only administrations born from credible elections can deliver the stability required for social cohesion and economic rehabilitation. Nations that fail to establish such legitimacy invariably grapple with institutional paralysis and escalating public frustration. Before returning to the polls, however, Bangladesh must first establish the groundwork through a negotiated reform framework. This requires political actors to move beyond rigid positions and embrace pragmatic solutions through good-faith compromise.
The immediate priority for the interim government is creating conditions for free and fair parliamentary elections, supplemented by a binding commitment from all political parties to respect the electoral outcome. Such an accord would serve as a crucial safeguard against post-election turmoil. Several key reforms demand urgent attention in the pre-election phase. The electoral process itself requires fundamental overhauling through measures like transparent voter registration, biometric verification systems, and enhanced security protocols to protect voters.
Democratic governance needs strengthening through constitutional reforms like a bicameral legislature, greater women's participation, and devolved power to local governments. The welfare state vision must transition to reality with investments in education, healthcare, social housing, and food security. Climate resilience must be mainstreamed. To ensure accountability, mechanisms like independent audits, whistleblower protections, and robust freedom of information laws should be established. Institutional depoliticisation, particularly for the judiciary, anti-corruption bodies, and law enforcement, is crucial. Digital governance tools can enhance transparency, while cybersecurity frameworks protect data rights.
Additionally, the following public-interest issues could be considered by political parties for inclusion in the electoral manifesto for public scrutiny:
Foundation of a welfare state
The foundation of a welfare state can truly embody the spirit of our glorious Liberation War, which calls for equality, human dignity, and social justice. The 2024 mass uprising was a movement against discrimination. Building a welfare state requires more than just economic development. Universal civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights are fundamental conditions of a civic state.
Firstly, education must be universal. Ensuring quality education at all levels, from primary to higher education, is the call of the hour. Particularly, affirmative actions for girls and marginalised communities are warranted. Secondly, ensuring free primary healthcare and affordable specialised treatment for every citizen is a first step towards a universal health system. Thirdly, housing is a fundamental right. Affordable social housing can be arranged in both urban and rural areas through collaborations with NGOs. Fourthly, modernising agriculture and reforming the food distribution system are necessary to ensure food security, as millions are plagued by hunger, malnutrition, and stunting. Fifthly, a life-cycle-based universal social security system, including maternity, child, youth unemployment, and elderly allowances, is a dire necessity. For uplifting millions out of poverty and achieving Sustainable Development Goals, the system must also include communities affected by climate change. These allowances will ensure the fulfilment of basic needs at every stage of a citizen's life and reduce inequality.
The economic revival
Economic revival demands a shift from over-reliance on ready-made garments towards diversified industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, and robust labour rights protection. Industrial diversification into sectors such as agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and technology will generate decent employment and leverage our demographic dividend. Increased investment in vocational and technical education enhances productivity and expands opportunities for both domestic employment and overseas remittances. Simplifying bureaucratic processes and reducing regulatory burdens augments competitiveness and attracts foreign investment. Providing incentives and credit facilities for small and medium enterprises is crucial for job creation and economic stability.
A peaceful, prosperous rise of the Bay of Bengal
In the global economic and geopolitical context, the Bay of Bengal region will play a significant role. Strengthening cooperation among Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia could transform the region into a vital economic hub. Trade, investment, and technology exchange must be prioritised alongside collaborative climate action initiatives. Simultaneously, Bangladesh must expand its export markets beyond traditional sectors, with China, India, the United States, Japan, Korea, the European Union, and the Middle East securing new free trade agreements while ensuring that national interests and workers' rights remain protected.
Ultimately, the Bangladeshi people—through their historic movements and political consciousness—have repeatedly demonstrated their role as the true architects of national progress. The coming electoral exercise will once again test their collective wisdom in choosing leaders capable of stewarding the economic revival, translating the welfare state vision into tangible reality, and positioning the country as a dynamic player in the Bay of Bengal region. The future hinges on their informed choice.
Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir is professor in the Department of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka.
Views expressed in this article are the author's own.
Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission.
Comments