Currently, Bangladesh is standing on the precipice of an uncertain future in terms of restoring democracy and phasing out political bickering! The nation, for decades has been ruled by two political giants: Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). These parties have alternated in power since the early 1990s, each contributing to the systemic corruption, political instability, and economic mismanagement plaguing the country and its national economy with droughts of nationhood and true political spirits for more than three decades beginning since 1991, led by BNP. Besides the two-party rule the country experienced and witnessed military rule dictatorial regimes.
People of Bangladesh, especially the younger generation, are frustrated and disillusioned with the constant cycle of failure and lack of commitment by the political elite. Now, with the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election approaching by December, 2025, there has been a growing call for political accountability. The message is clear: before either of these political parties can once again seek to govern the nation, there must be public redemption from the past wrongdoing by the major parties.
The history of AL is one marked by scandal, corruption, and a consistent disregard for the welfare of the people. The BNP during their rule in the past is not immune of allegations of corruption and wrongdoing. The duo have failed to address the core issues that continue to afflict the nation, including poverty, unemployment, corruption, and the growing inequality between the rich and poor; people have borne the brunt of that failure, enduring successive governments that have served their own interests rather than those of the public; and since after the fall of General Ershad's dictatorship regime, the country's political trajectory had been shaped by personal ambition and power struggles rather than a genuine commitment to the national progression.
The roots of that political dysfunction go back to the fall of General Hussein Muhammad Ershad's nine years' military dictatorship ended in 1990; it was the result of a nationwide non-cooperation movement, spearheaded by the people and students of Bangladesh under the joint movement of BNP and AL along with Jamaat-e-Islami and left political paries. The movement had marked a significant turning point in the country's history, as it was driven by a desire for democracy and a better future. Though the mass movement ousted Ershad's Jatiya Party government, the parties involved in the movement implemented the joint declaration of the alliances that spearheaded the anti-Ershad movement. The role of students in pushing for democracy has been largely ignored by both major political parties, and no meaningful steps have been taken to address the injustices suffered by those who fought for the country's freedom. That failure to honour their sacrifices is a deep betrayal of the very forces that brought the democracy to Bangladesh through the 1990-mass non-cooperation.
The problem of political accountability in Bangladesh has only worsened as AL and BNP cycled in and out of power, each time coming into the office with tricky promises of reforms, only to be derailed by the same pattern of corruption and self-interest. Under both the parties, the political system became increasingly dominated by nepotism, patronage, and electoral fraud. Both parties have been equally complicit in turning a blind eye to the demands of the people, using their time in power to consolidate their own positions rather than deliver on the promises made to the people of the country. Besides, AL and BNP Jatiya Party with General Ershad ruled the country for nine years. Allegations of rampant corruption, irregularities, violation of human rights and dictatorship abound. Another party, Jamaat-e-Islami, which has its support at the grass root levels, is stigmatised by its role against the country's war of liberation in 1971 and for its fundamentalist policies.
The political events of 2024 further underscored the public's growing disenchantment. The departure of Sheikh Hasina to India in August 2024 following the student-people uprising sparked a wave of anger and unrests. While the move was seen by some as a necessary decision under pressure, for many, it was a symbol of the lack of accountability that has come to characterise Hasina's government. Her sudden exit as the Prime Minister, coupled with the ongoing allegation of corruption and mismanagement against her government, ignited a student-led uprising that quickly spread across the nation. What began as a reaction to Hasina's departure transformed into a broader protest against the failure of both AL and BNP.
The student-led uprising that took over the streets of Bangladesh was more than just an expression of anger; it was a clarion call for change. The youths, who have long been sidelined in the nation's political discourse, were finally demanding their voices be heard. The protests were a rejection of the political status quo-a clear statement that the people of the country are no longer willing to tolerate the corruption, inefficiency, and neglect of their political leaders. Yet, despite the widespread outcry and growing frustration, neither AL nor BNP has shown any indication of taking responsibility for their part in the country's decline. Instead, they have attempted to co-opt the student-led movement for their own political advantage, a move that was met with swift rejection by the very youth they hoped to manipulate.
“Such an apology is not just a matter of political expediency-it is a
crucial step towards restoring the nation's faith in the political
process. It is the first step in healing the wounds caused by decades of
corruption and misgovernance. People of Bangladesh deserve leaders who
are willing to take responsibility for their actions, acknowledge their
mistakes, and work towards genuine reform.
The political response to the crisis has been predictably self-serving. BNP, capitalising on the public disillusionment with AL, attempted to seize the moment by holding a rally in front of its headquarters at Paltan, positioning itself as the true voice of the people. But that move was seen as nothing more than a cynical attempt to harness the anger of the mass people without addressing the underlying issues that had led to the protest in the first place. The student leaders who had been at the forefront of the uprising rejected BNP's attempts to co-opt their movement, stating that they were not interested in being pawns in another political game. Rather, the students made it clear that they were fighting for a new political future-one that was not tied to the corruption and failure of the two major political parties.
The Jatiya Party, formed by Military Dictator General Ershad during his power, played also B team with AL regime during the last 16 years. Jamaat-e-Islami that opposed Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971 and worked as collaborators of Pakistan occupation army in 1971, is yet to redeem itself after the 1971 anti-liberation rule and share its fundamentalist policies.
The upcoming 2025 elections now stand as a crucial turning point for Bangladesh. People are demanding real change. The question that looms large is whether AL and BNP will finally accept the reality of their political failures and take the necessary steps to rebuild the trust that has been shattered - with their popularities drastically hanged up! The time for political games and empty promises is over. If either of these parties is serious about moving forward and earning the right to lead, they must first demonstrate genuine remorse for the damage they have caused to the nation and the country. Same is applicable for Jamaat-e-Islami and Jatiya Party.
Before either AL or BNP can participate in the upcoming election, they must first offer a formal regret to the people of Bangladesh. This regret must be more than just words-it must be a public acknowledgment of their failures, their corruption, and the harm they have inflicted on the nation. Both parties must take responsibility for the lack of accountability that has characterised their time in power. They must also regret for the economic mismanagement, the political violence, the disregard for democratic principles, and the systematic neglect of the people's needs.
Such an apology is not just a matter of political expediency-it is a crucial step towards restoring the nation's faith in the political process. It is the first step in healing the wounds caused by decades of corruption and misgovernance. People of Bangladesh deserve leaders who are willing to take responsibility for their actions, acknowledge their mistakes, and work towards genuine reform.
Moreover, the apology must be accompanied by a commitment to meaningful electoral and political reforms. This includes not only cleaning up the political system but also ensuring that future elections are free, fair, and transparent. It means dismantling the patronage networks that have long kept both parties in power, reforming the judiciary to ensure accountability, and ensuring that the needs of the people. Only through such reforms can Bangladesh move towards a more democratic, just, and prosperous future. This is the latest political assumption by the mass media.
The 2025 elections should present an opportunity for Bangladesh to chart a new course. And for this to happen, the political elite must acknowledge their past mistakes and offer a heartfelt apology to the nation. Only then can Bangladesh begin to rebuild the trust that has been lost, and only then can the country move towards a brighter and more inclusive future. The time for redemption, reforms, and genuine change is now-before it is too late.
