Political gatherings often turn into violent, where people die in the most brutal of manners and properties are destroyed. — New Age photo

It’s not that all political parties or all politicians are engaged in illegal activities but without a doubt, bad seeds of such worst kinds do exist in all major and minor political parties of our country. And it is about time that all political parties distance themselves from these bad seeds, who are chiefly responsible for bringing the country’s political scene to the brink of destruction and almost ruined the very reputation of politicians of this country, writes Obaidur Rahman
 

WHAT do we want from our politicians? What are, in fact, our truest and humblest of expectations from the very category of people who have active affiliation with the nation’s major and minor political parties? Without a doubt, with the passage of each day, the distance between political leaders and activists, and the general populace is growing and very dangerously the gap is being filled up by a group of people who apply for political membership apparently to fulfil their monetary and other materialistic ambitions which are far away form the nation’s true concerns and needs. And that is simply unacceptable and uncalled for. Our expectation from the country’s politicians, first and foremost, is that they, by honesty and sheer dedication, graduate from politicians to political leaders. Only and only in that way, will they be able to genuinely reach out to the people and sincerely lend an ear and heart to the true concerns of the public and make a difference for the better that is so desperately needed in this day, age and time.
We want out political leadership to be honest, modest, truthful in approach and sincere in delivery and patriotic in every step of the way. These are certainly not too much to ask for. These ought to be the very basic principles that are to be practiced by every single political practitioner though out the lands, all over the globe.
We also want our political aficionados to think, work and deliver in terms of national interest rather than carry out only party agendas which very unfortunately are the case in Bangladesh at the moment. It is certainly understandable that in democracy, everybody will have a voice and opinion, however that doesn’t mean that one has to lose a sense of civility to have the last word, at any cost, in any god forsaken way, whatsoever. Unfortunately, that is exactly what goes on in the ailing political culture of Bangladesh. One has to remember that this great country belongs to all citizens equally and the country’s concerns are to be prioritized, instead of partisan ones. We really want our political parties to think and uphold the country’s interest first and foremost and develop their party policies and political activities to strengthen nation’s development process. And this can only be achieved through working together.
One might ask that in a democracy, where so many different opinions and a vast array of political ideologies coexist, how one can find a common ground. Well, the common ground is the country itself and all political activities should be centred on the wellbeing of the country and her citizens. That’s what we want from our political parties instead of quarrels about the most mundane and meaningless of issues like where, when and who is to organise public gatherings, on what ground and on what, which date. When we see our major and minor political parties scuffle over issues that concern only them, then we realise, very sadly, that our country’s political scene is still trapped in the confusing yet egotistical maze of party politics where instead of countrymen’s, only party issues are prioritized, which not necessarily, always reflects the nation and her people’s issues and needs. We expect all parties to work together and steer the nation towards development and set an exemplary pattern which will inspire present and future generations to work together and ensure the betterment of the country.
We also want our political parties and their party enthusiasts to stay away from all that is corrupt and illegal. Given the way the present party-men use politics to gain financial advantage, this truly is too much to ask for from our present day party enthusiasts, young and old alike. If, out of national interest and upon the dear request of citizens, the country’s political party men restrain themselves from breaking laws, put an end to the patronisation of criminals of all kinds and types, and stop engaging in flourishing of indiscriminate corruption, then the nation’s people will be very much obliged. It’s not that all political parties or all politicians are engaged in illegal activities but without a doubt, bad seeds of such worst kinds do exist in all major and minor political parties of our country. And it is about time that all political parties distance themselves from these bad seeds, who are chiefly responsible for bringing the country’s political scene to the brink of destruction and almost ruined the very reputation of politicians of this country. It is both out of party and national interest that these major and minor political groups of the country must rid themselves off these immoral human beings and expose them to the light of justice, which will surely better the country and ensure her citizens’ safety and well-being to a great degree. The sooner the political parties will be able to do it, the better it will be for national welfare and prosperity.
We expect our political parties to have fruitful discussions with each other in the most peaceful of manners and not always take their political activities to the streets at a moment’s notice, because the average law abiding citizen usually uses streets for transportation (as it should be) and not for political gatherings, which oftentimes leads city roads to nightmarish traffic congestions. And not to mention how public gatherings of such kind often turn into violent, where people die in the most brutal of manners and properties are destroyed. In fact, there is no need for haphazard public meetings if only political parties engage in regular meaningful dialogue with each other and concentrate their political dialogues in parliament and turn it into the centre of the country’s political activity for good, as it was surely meant to be. We want our political parties to talk with each other all the time in places like parliament and work out the nation’s interests and concerns in the most fruitful of manners.
Given the 21st century is at stake, a country like Bangladesh has lots of challenges and obstacles towards her development objectives and the least our country’s political parties could do is to ensure a political environment that is hassle free, not tense, co-operative and peaceful, productive and vibrant with intellect, that helps the nation’s development efforts and ensures the nation and her people’s wellbeing. Meaningful dialogue between political parties, which is sorely missing in these days, must be a priority and the talks of revenge and avenge must be let go for the sake of the nation’s concerns. Politics is all about coming together and developing the country, not about getting rich and avenging political opponents. This must be remembered by the nation’s political sects by all means. 
We also want our political parties to be very respectful towards the countrymen and their aspirations concerning the political ambiance of the country. It must be remembered that when it comes to politics, people do have their preferences, however, above all, they want a peaceful political atmosphere where competition does take place, but in a peaceful and productive manner. People do appreciate difference of opinion but also look for common aspects that bind all the political parties together. As far as being Bangladeshi is concerned, all parties are in fact grand winners. And the rest that they could do is to work together to strengthen the political bond that parties have with each other, celebrate it and steer the country to a reputable position in the global scene. That’s what we want. We want the political parties to be respectful to this humble and noble aspiration of the countrymen and honour it by being patient with each other and assist and help each other to ensure the betterment of the country which they so profoundly advertise now and then. Despite all the differences, it is surely possible because it has been done in the olden times and most importantly, because, we expect them to do so. We are not asking our political parties to buy us big cars, grand houses and fat Swiss bank accounts. We just want them to get along with each other and work together toward the betterment and progress of the country. And after all is said and done if one asks how the politicians of this country are to get along with each other, well the simple answer is by being humane. We the citizens can certainly do it and get along with each other in peaceful manner, so why can’t they?