The recent uprising of students and citizens has created an opportunity for state structural reform. To capitalise on this, it is essential to move beyond popular and mainstream political and electoral concepts. Alongside establishing a democratic state, good governance, a fair electoral system, and new leadership, structural changes are needed that benefit both people and the environment. With future generations in mind, a new perspective should guide the formation of a humane state.
The generation that led the 2024 anti-discrimination movement is more environmentally conscious than any previous generation. A significant portion of them are voters in the upcoming national elections. They will favour visionary manifestos over outdated ones, prioritising progressive thinking and environmental protection, integrating human needs with environmental conservation. The environmental movements in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, which became political agendas, can serve as inspiration in this regard.
Even today, countries like the United States place significant importance on environmental protection in the political arena. However, despite Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change, political leaders and state policymakers lack a firm stance on environmental issues. Consequently, most rivers, forests, soil, and other natural resources are on the path to destruction, with the state's economic policies and perspectives largely responsible.
In Bangladesh, the term 'economic growth' has become a mantra due to the expansion of capitalism. While this has led to apparent development, multinational companies and large corporate groups have exploited human and natural resources. Individuals associated with these entities have become politicians, using the state structure as a tool for business. There was a time when the primary goal of politics was societal welfare; now, it has become a battle for capital and power.
Elections have turned into commerce, evident from the monetary games during election periods. Campaigns are funded by business money, and voters are handed envelopes of cash. Once elected, corruption allows them to reclaim that money from public and state resources. Therefore, future economic growth should not be viewed merely as GDP increase or from a perspective of overproduction and consumption but should be mainstreamed into society. The current dominance of capitalism will not sustain in the future world. Environmental well-being will lead to societal order, reduce power abuse, and curb consumption urges.
However, a significant obstacle is the large population, who are voters but have not been nurtured into good citizens or educated over decades. In the existing state structure, they have been used merely for votes, allowing nominal majorities in traditional elections without delivering democratic benefits to the people. This uninformed populace is unaware of their duties and responsibilities towards the state, focusing only on immediate self-interest, much like the business-minded political leaders.
This leads to excessive power displays during elections, including the use of loudspeakers at high volumes, harmful to the environment and public health. Such noise is particularly distressing for children and the elderly. However, electoral candidates do not consider the suffering of the general populace.
To ensure benefits for all, the state must adopt inclusive measures and clarify its moral stance as an inclusive entity. While reserved seats for women in parliament are important, they have limitations. Although these seats provide women with special access to politics, the process is often utilised for the ruling party's interests, failing to ensure genuine empowerment. Major political parties should nominate more women, and the state structure should be designed to provide equal opportunities for both men and women, leading to selection based on merit. This will reduce power disparities and bring about equality.
In conclusion, 'Reform Bangladesh' should not merely signify a change of power. A new perspective should emerge, transforming Bangladesh into a just and humane state for future generations.
The writer is a graduate from the Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University.
BDST: 2025 HRS, JAN 14, 2025
MSK
