BANGLADESH has made significant progress across various economic and social indicators since independence. But, it has fallen short of its desired development because of repeated disruption in democratic governance. Bangladesh has held 13 national elections — in 1973, 1979, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1996 in February and June, 2001, 2008, 2014, 2018, 2024 and 2026. But, a few of them were genuinely contested democratic elections. The February 12 national elections were, keeping to local and international observers, peaceful and as fair as they were in 1991, earning a largely positive global image.
Yet, people had concerns regarding peace about the fresh democratic journey, fearing the possible return of political hegemony and confrontation in view of the landslide victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. But, the prime minister, Tarique Rahman, has been able to brush aside all concern with his unique approach in dealing with political and governance issues. If we take the proverb of ‘morning shows the day’ as a shining line, we can say that the prime minister got off to a unique start.
Days after the election results, Tarique Rahman set a very good example by visiting Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami amir, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, the National Citizen Party convener, Nahid Islam, and the Bangladesh Islami Andolan amir, Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim. This was a unique gesture that all appreciated.
Bringing out jubilant processions by political parties after winning any elections was a tradition in the Bangladesh politics, causing traffic disruption and, in some cases, causing political tension. As bringing back political stability and peaceful coexistence was the objective, the BNP chairman advised party followers to break away from the tradition and, instead, stand by people. And, this proved to be a quite good decision in demonstrating political maturity and the control of temptation.
All this, as political analysts say, has helped the underlying political tension to die down naturally, closing the path to street movement and ‘mob culture.’ There was a time when character assassination and mudslinging was an order of the day. Once people saw that political leaders started their day with character assassination, undermining their opponents, and closed the day with abusive language, public confidence in politics eroded. This is how the word ‘politics’ has emerged as a bad jargon, keeping brilliant but humble people off politics.
This is for the first time that the people are seeing a prime minister who is very close to them, someone whom they can easily approach, speak to, shake hands with and have light conversations even in front of a mosque and on the street. Tarique Rahman is a prime minister who is setting examples by ignoring protocols, demonstrating humility and being courteous everywhere — in meetings, speech delivery and exchanging Eid greetings with police personnel on the street. These are scenes that the people never saw in the country’s history as an independent state.
Political leaders are hardly seen to be good listeners. But, they should know that listening is one of the best qualities that they should possess. There is no denying that listening helps build trust and, undoubtedly, leads to better decision-making. Those who have met Tarique Rahman by this time appreciate him as a very good listener and advice-seeker. When leaders becomes more of listeners than of speakers, it gives them a diverse perspective to find solutions. It also creates an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual understanding.
Political civility refers to the practice of treating political opponents with dignity, courtesy and respect, fostering a functional relationship even during sharp disagreement. It is distinct from politeness, acting, instead, as a civic virtue that sustains democracy by facilitating dialogues and maintaining social harmony. This is true that many challenges lie ahead in ensuring political stability and sustaining development and in reshaping the political ethos. And, political civility that is grounded in humility, dialogues and mutual respect offers a pathway to overcome this deficit. By embracing such values, the country can move beyond polarisation and foster a democratic environment that reflects both its achievements and aspirations.
José ‘Pepe’ Mujica, who had been president of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, is widely recognised as one of the humblest world leaders in modern history for his simple way of life and austerity. Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa, from 1994 to 1999, who spent 27 years in prison for his vigorous activism against apartheid in South Africa, emerging not with a message of revenge but of reconciliation. He was widely admired for his humility and commitment to peace, setting a strong example of democratic leadership in Africa.
Lee Kuan Yew had been prime minister of Singapore from 2004 to 2011. He was also widely admired for merit, education and long-term national planning. But, he was not above criticism for his political control. Criticisms could not rob him of his reputation of personal integrity and modest living. His vision and policies not only shaped the modern Singapore but also made him one of the most influential statesmen in Asia’s modern history.
In the context of modern governance, Tarique Rahman’s political civility, humility, restraint and respect are widely expected to drastically change Bangladesh’s political leadership. ‘As the day begins, so it goes.’
Mahfuzur Rahman is speech writer to the prime minister.
