This change in Awami League politics, where the interests of businessmen are given priority and importance, did not happen overnight. The process has been accelerated by its 15 years in power. This change gradually reached its peak and became visible when the value of people's votes decreased. With poll-less elections and votes cast the night before, politicians are no longer held accountable. Members of Parliament simply need to keep the top leaders of the ruling party happy. They do not want accountability of the government. They simply come to Parliament to say “yes” to anything. Clearly, unless it is possible to restore functional democracy, no matter how much the budget is criticised, nothing will change. Therefore, fixing politics must be given priority.
A survey conducted by the Asia Foundation and the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) this year showed that 58 per cent of people expressed disappointment that Bangladesh was on the wrong track. In 2019, a total of 84 per cent of respondents from the lower income group said Bangladesh's economy was on the right track. This dropped by half to 42 per cent in 2024. The survey showed that it is not just among lower income people, but across all income groups that expectations in the economy and politics have diminished. When all avenues and means to change the direction of politics that continues to move on the path of economic inequality have been blocked, it is natural that people's expectations will diminish.
* Kamal Ahmed is a senior journalist
*This column was published in the print and online editions of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English version by Ayesha Kabir.