'Democracy of, by and for the party'!

Photo: Munir Uz Zaman / Driknews

This refers to the recent political trends and dreams of major political parties in Bangladesh. The ruling party and sycophancy will forever remain inseparable. Sadly, the grand old party of Bangladesh seems to be stripped of ideas, ideals and ideology and all that it can offer to the nation is just another member of the Sheikh dynasty, who appears to be a product of excessive hype and grand publicity. This party is like an elephant that does not know its strength. Now that it has realised its strength, it can be confident of winning the general elections on its own. This party's leader waxes eloquent on meritocracy without realising that it cannot be brought about by an individual anywhere, however powerful and influential s/he is.
It is only collective consciousness that can breed meritocracy. An imposed leader will only fail in his/her efforts to usher in any meaningful turnaround.
How does one describe the political drama and dream a comic opera or Greek tragedy? Whatever it is, it clearly shows the depths to which politics has plunged. Democracy in Bangladesh has come to mean a government by, of and for the political parties. There is no place for the people. The Bangladeshi democracy is run by families. Most parties, including the Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jatiya Party, subscribe to dynastic politics. Can we therefore be called the dynastic democratic republic of Bangladesh?