Any country where there is no year-round political programmes like street rallies, demonstrations, sit-ins, chase and counter chase; where all differences are thrashed out inside parliaments and where politicians are respectful of other’s opinions, holistic development of the country as well as of the people becomes a reality. Growth can only take place in an environment of congeniality, peace and mutual trust and respect. No crop will grow on a piece of land where the weeds are not cleared periodically and if seeds are not sufficiently watered.
In other words, political stability is most essential for taking the country forward on the path of progress. Stability ensures proper and need-based planning, speedy completion of the development projects and timely implementation of programmes and policies in the field of
health, education, environment,
administration and trade and commerce.
It has been seen in the past that in the name of politics, the capital city of Dhaka has often been brought to a standstill by the oppositions resulting in skirmishes with the police and closing down of educational institutes. The demands of the political parties in the opposition did not always justify halting the wheels of economy from moving, resulting in economic losses to the tune of millions, but they have done so for some small party gains. Many political parties opted for remaining outside parliament instead of contesting elections. Such undemocratic activities damaged economy and took the country backward instead of taking it forward.
But, things have improved to a great extent in the last ten years. This can be said that except for some months in 2014 and 2015, political climate in Bangladesh remained quite calm as parties in the opposition possibly realized that useless demonstration on the roads or calling hartals will not yield any benefit for them. And they have also realized that boycotting elections will also serve no significant purpose.
No doubt, absence of violent political programmes came as a boon for the ruling Awami League government. This allowed them to work day and night for the implementation of all the mega and smaller projects within time. The stability in the arena of politics came as a blessing to the government and as a result it could speed-up the works to meet the target.
We can say this without hesitation that the progress in the work of the Padma Bridge project could be met because of the tolerance showed by the opposition political parties towards this national project.
The same can be said about the Metro Rail project and similar other mega projects.
The examples would suffice to say that politics should not disrupt development processes as the projects belong to the people and not to any government or political party.
If we look at Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and China, we shall see that no infrastructure development project got delayed for violent political agenda of the opposition.
The AL government needs support from all stakeholders to be able to complete the projects that are half way through. Everyone should keep this in mind that project loans and financial help have been taken in the name of the Republic where the people are the real owners. Therefore, no political party should try to jeopardize the national development process to fulfill their narrow party
agenda.
Opposition political party should realize that no party is permanent but the projects are. Therefore, since every citizen has ownership in the projects, all political parties should work together to protect them.
Shahnoor Wahid is Advisory Editor of Bangladesh Post