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White paper on economic reforms and election manifestos: A look from Gen-Z's perspective

Published : Sunday, 19 January, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 1575
As a part of Gen Z, discussions about political change and significant shifts often make us feel uncomfortable because we have never experienced truly participatory or competitive politics. It was not until I enrolled in a Politics and Development course at university that I was introduced to terms like "Feckless Pluralism," "Iron Triangle," and "Patrimonialism." These concepts provided me with a framework to understand the situation in Bangladesh. Having witnessed the July-August revolution that led to the fall of an autocrat, our generation bears the burden of immense risks-risks that could persist for a lifetime if democracy is not restored. We are a generation that has never had the opportunity to vote or choose a government. Our only aspiration from the Interim Government is straightforward: we seek a participatory, inclusive, fully-fledged, free, and fair election.

As Bangladesh approaches its next elections, a crucial question arises for Gen-Z: how do we decide which party to vote for? We have grown up in a political landscape characterized by limited engagement and a fragmented understanding of various ideologies. For many of us, the political manifestos presented by the competing parties will likely be the deciding factor. However, we are increasingly disillusioned by the repetitive and hollow rhetoric from the major political players. These approaches feel outdated and disconnected from the realities we face. What we truly seek are practical, evidence-based solutions-policies that are inclusive, context-specific, and, most importantly, focused on the needs of the people.
Unemployment, especially among graduates, lies at the heart of our frustrations. It is a stark reality that continues to stifle our potential, yet the interim government has failed to provide any meaningful solutions to this urgent issue. Despite this, we remain cautiously hopeful, giving the current administration the benefit of the doubt in trusting that it will ensure a fair election and create space for a new government to address the nation's challenges. However, as a part of Gen-Z globally, our faith in political change has been severely tested. History has shown us that movements like the Color Revolutions and the Jasmine Revolution, which once promised democracy, freedom, and economic prosperity, often fell short of delivering on those hopes.
In countries like Egypt, the Arab Spring eventually led to a return to authoritarian rule, while post-revolution nations such as Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan continue to grapple with corruption, political instability, and widespread disillusionment. Even Tunisia, often hailed as the only success story of the Arab Spring, still faces persistent unemployment, leaving its youth disheartened and uncertain about their futures. These historical setbacks serve as a stark reminder of the difficulties we encounter in maintaining revolutionary ideals and turning them into real, lasting change. For us, these examples highlight the importance of being vigilant in our voting choices-ensuring that we select options that facilitate meaningful progress rather than merely recycled promises.

As a graduate of Development Studies and a development professional, I approached the recently published 'White Paper on the State of the Bangladesh Economy: Dissection of a Development Narrative' with a scholarly perspective, drawing insights from thinkers like Douglass North and Amartya Sen. North's concept of institutions as the "rules of the game" provides a structured method for evaluating governance. Similarly, Sen's emphasis on expanding substantive freedoms highlights the significance of institutions in fostering inclusivity. Guided by these frameworks, I examined the White Paper to see how it aligns with the aspirations of a new voter like me. Its focus on addressing systemic barriers closely mirrors my criteria for sustainable development and inclusive governance. Beyond identifying challenges, it offers actionable strategies and underscores critical sectors that need immediate attention, making it a valuable roadmap for progress. 

The White Paper titled "The White Paper on the State of the Bangladesh Economy: Dissecting a Development Narrative" is a transparent and data-driven assessment of Bangladesh's economy and governance, organized into 23 chapters that cover themes such as Macroeconomics, Social Dimensions, and Policy Outlook. It not only examines "what happened" but also explores "why," providing a comprehensive view of the nation's challenges and opportunities. While there are some methodological gaps, the paper identifies critical areas needing intervention and offers recommendations that I hope political leaders will incorporate into their manifestos for the upcoming elections.

A significant issue raised is Bangladesh's over-reliance on the garment industry, remittances, and conventional services. This narrow economic base struggles to compete with low-wage African nations excelling in mature industries and with upper-middle-income and high-income countries leading in innovation and technology-an example of what is known as the lower-middle-income trap. For the next election, I expect political parties to present actionable strategies to diversify the economy and expand the formal sector, which will ultimately drive sustainable and inclusive growth for the future.

As a new voter, I eagerly await election manifestos that address the urgent issue of 'jobless growth,' particularly highlighted in the White Paper. Unemployment among tertiary-educated youth has surged from 9.7% in 2013 to 27.8% in 2022, illustrating a critical misalignment between education and employment. The paper points to labor market inefficiencies and policy inertia as major barriers to inclusive growth. While recent growth in Bangladesh has been driven by labor-intensive sectors like garment manufacturing, this model has not translated into high-quality, skill-based employment.

Alarmingly, nearly 48% of National University graduates remain unemployed, and enrollment in STEM fields is critically low. Furthermore, 85% of jobs are in the informal sector. The education budget often reflects misplaced priorities, emphasizing infrastructure development over quality education outcomes. Political manifestos should offer bold, evidence-based solutions to these systemic challenges, shifting the focus from quantity to quality in education. Addressing the "growth versus equity" dilemma will require policies that promote both economic empowerment and social equity through education. Political manifestos must emphasize aligning education with labor market demands, fostering skills development, and creating opportunities for sustainable employment.

The White Paper highlights the essential role of quality healthcare in restoring public trust and addressing systemic inequality. Poor governance and inadequate public services, particularly in the health sector, have long diminished confidence in our institutions. The post-COVID reality has exposed the fragility of our healthcare system, which is once again struggling for survival in the ICU. The Interim Government's failure to provide treatment for those injured during the July-August movement starkly demonstrates its negligence. For my generation, the choice is clear: we will support a party that presents a comprehensive and realistic plan to provide affordable, quality healthcare to every citizen, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Bangladesh's political history is filled with lofty slogans, from the Awami League's "Din Bodoler Bangladesh" to the BNP's "Desh Bachao, Manush Bachao," each promising transformative change. More recent slogans like "Digital Bangladesh" and "Smart Bangladesh" claim to align with the nation's aspirations for modernization. However, for many of us in Gen-Z, these slogans have proven to be empty, failing to deliver on their promises and leaving critical issues unaddressed. Take "Digital Bangladesh," for example. While mobile phone usage has increased, significant portions of the population remain excluded from the benefits of digitalization. Moreover, the idea that simply owning a mobile device equates to digital progress has only obscured deeper systemic problems. The government's focus on appearances has left essential services burdened by manual inefficiencies. My personal experience of navigating a maze of desks just to obtain a certificate highlighted the irony-"Smart Bangladesh" often feels more like a bureaucratic debacle than a reality. 

The White Paper appropriately critiques this trend, urging political parties to move beyond empty rhetoric and concentrate on actionable policies that address the nation's pressing needs. Expanding digital literacy, ensuring equitable access to technology, and bridging the digital divide are urgent priorities. Without concrete plans, these slogans remain mere marketing tools, disconnected from the realities faced by marginalized communities. As a generation that values substance over slogans, Gen-Z is unlikely to be swayed by rhetorical flourishes. Instead, we demand practical solutions that genuinely transform lives.

The paper also reveals the alarming extent of economic disparity in Bangladesh, where the top 10% control 1.5 times more wealth than the rest of the population combined. Drawing on Rawls' principle of justice as fairness, it underscores the urgency of addressing these inequities to create a more inclusive society. Additionally, it highlights how weak governance and low tax compliance undermine the social contract, echoing Stiglitz's warning about the corrosive effects of inequality. The paper calls for comprehensive fiscal reforms to rebuild trust, ensure fair wealth distribution, and pave the way for sustainable and equitable development.

Moreover, the paper points out that public spending in Bangladesh has been disproportionately directed toward incentivized infrastructure projects, often designed to benefit party loyalists, while neglecting crucial sectors like healthcare and education-both essential for sustainable development. This issue is further exacerbated by the "last quarter syndrome," where budgets are hastily spent in the final months of the fiscal year, leading to inefficiencies and undermining the long-term impact of public investments. Redirecting resources toward these overlooked areas is crucial for fostering equity and social progress.
Lastly, the paper highlights the erosion of democratic freedoms. The Digital Security Act (DSA) has been used as a tool to stifle dissent, while politically motivated licensing undermines media autonomy. Additionally, the ineffective Right to Information Act further diminishes transparency, creating a climate of fear and limiting open dialogue. These systemic challenges hinder informed decision-making and weaken democratic norms. 

To move forward, Bangladesh must prioritize equitable development, democratic freedoms, and accountable governance to build an inclusive and resilient society. My generation will vote for a party that presents a clear and actionable plan to uphold the rule of law rather than one that allows politicians to misuse the law for resource extraction and exploitation. We seek a party that values societal norms and traditions, focusing on fostering positive changes in mindsets. It should encourage citizens not only to question their rights but also to understand and embrace their responsibilities toward the state. This shift in perspective is essential for building a more accountable and just society-one that ensures development benefits everyone, not just the privileged few.

The writer is a  development professional 


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