In my exploration of the political landscape in Bangladesh over the last couple of years, the concept of “trust” has frequently occupied my thoughts. While in Bangla, we translate trust as “astha” or “bishwas,” I am intrigued by its deeper implications in the realm of politics. How does trust manifest in politics beyond mere personal goodwill or moral character but as a fundamental aspect of political life? This article delves into whether our current political turmoil can be mitigated by reevaluating the significance of trust.
When discussing democracy, we often highlight the essential conditions for its functioning, with the belief that one’s opponent must possess virtuous qualities not being a prerequisite. The essence of democracy does not hinge on mutual goodwill among parties like BNP, Awami League, Jamaat-e-Islami, or NCP. In reality, the foundation of democracy lies in the ability of political entities to harbor a level of skepticism towards each other. This may seem paradoxical, but the key lies in understanding democracy as a framework where parties can operate with a degree of suspicion towards each other, safeguarded by a system of checks and balances.
The concept of the separation of powers in a democratic setup underscores the notion that placing absolute trust in an elected executive is unwarranted. Merely being elected does not grant unchecked authority to a government. Hence, the presence of a parliament, an independent judiciary, a robust Election Commission, media freedom, and the dispersion of power among various state institutions. Democratic structures operate under the premise that entrusting unchecked power to individuals is precarious. Therefore, the essence of politics lies in institutional trust rather than reliance on individual integrity.
Drawing from the insights of philosopher Thomas Hobbes, the inherent dilemma of political order emerges from the uncertainty surrounding the future actions of others. The fear of unpredictable behavior in the political arena can lead to a vicious cycle of insecurity and mistrust. Examining Bangladesh’s political landscape through this Hobbesian lens raises a crucial question: What would one political party do if another relinquished power?
Despite historical instances where political parties in Bangladesh harbored mutual distrust, efforts were made to seek institutional solutions. The Magura-2 by-election in 1994 stands out as a pivotal moment where the opposition’s protest transcended mere electoral outcomes to question the neutrality of a government involved in the electoral process. This skepticism eventually led to the establishment of the caretaker government system, reflecting a pragmatic response to the challenge of mutual distrust among political factions.
The caretaker government system, often viewed as a democratic shortcoming in Bangladesh, was, in essence, an innovative attempt to address a specific political dilemma. By acknowledging the lack of mutual trust between political parties, this institutional framework aimed to facilitate political cooperation amidst prevailing skepticism. Its significance lay not in fostering trust but in managing distrust through a credible commitment mechanism, ensuring adherence to agreed-upon rules even in the absence of inherent trust.
Looking ahead to post-2024 political developments in Bangladesh, the focus should not solely be on institutional reforms or constitutional amendments but on addressing the foundational issue of securing the loser’s position. A political paradigm where losing power does not equate to losing political relevance is essential for fostering trust over time. Ensuring a sense of continuity and opportunity for political resurgence post-defeat is vital for sustaining democratic trust and deterring authoritarian impulses driven by the fear of political oblivion.
In conclusion, the litmus test for democratic reform in Bangladesh extends beyond power transitions and institutional restructuring. The overarching question remains: In a scenario where my adversary assumes power, can I feel secure? Resolving this fundamental dilemma is imperative for consolidating democratic norms and fostering a political climate where trust can gradually be restored. Addressing this unfinished task of democracy in Bangladesh entails ensuring a system that guarantees political continuity and a level playing field for all stakeholders, irrespective of electoral outcomes.
