Bangladesh鈥檚 political landscape has been marked by a long-standing power struggle between two major parties, the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. This back-and-forth battle for control has been a source of frustration for the people of Bangladesh.
The back-and-forth rule of these two parties has significantly influenced Bangladesh鈥檚 political culture, resulting in a governance style that frequently prioritises party interests over the public good. This cycle of power between the Awami League and the BNP has left the people of Bangladesh in a deadlock, with little progress towards a political solution centred on inclusion and the nation鈥檚 best interests.
General Hussain Muhammad Ershad seized power through a military coup, imposing martial law and ruling with authoritarian control for nearly a decade. While Ershad鈥檚 regime attempted to position itself as an alternative to the BNP and AL, it was largely seen as yet another instance of military dominance in a politically unstable country. The people鈥檚 yearning for freedom became a serious threat to his rule.
Despite the 1947 partition, the 1971 Liberation War, and the fall of Ershad in 1990, Bangladesh has yet to establish a new political framework, leaving its people longing for change. Although mass movements have driven key moments of political transformation, they have not succeeded in creating an inclusive system that goes beyond the interests of the political elite.
There was widespread hope that the end of military rule in 1990 would usher in a new era of democratic governance. However, the dominance of the BNP and AL has stifled the emergence of other political forces. Efforts to reform the political system 鈥� by limiting the role of money in politics, reducing political violence, and fostering space for new political movements 鈥� have been slow to take shape.
The 2024 anti-discrimination movement marks a pivotal moment in the country鈥檚 history, reflecting the voice of a population hungry for change. Led by students and supported by the broader public, this movement emerged in response to deep-rooted issues like corruption, authoritarianism, and a lack of political accountability, rather than simply addressing local grievances. In the aftermath of such a transformative event, it is essential to explore how political awareness and education can sustain the movement鈥檚 momentum.
Political literacy refers to the process through which individuals acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to understand and engage with political institutions and issues. It includes not only formal education settings but also informal discussions and participation in social movements.
In Bangladesh, a country with a rich history of political involvement from the Language Movement to the Liberation War, political education has always played a vital role in shaping the values and beliefs of its people.
However, political education has been on the decline in recent decades. Disillusionment with corruption, insufficient political literacy, and inadequate civic education in schools have weakened the public鈥檚 ability to hold politicians accountable, leading to a disengagement from politics. This created a void that fostered political division and authoritarian tendencies, ultimately paving the way for the anti-discrimination movement. While this movement showcased the power of collective unity, it also highlighted significant gaps in political knowledge and underscored the urgent need for enhanced political education.
The 2024 movement showcased the power of an informed and engaged citizenry. Equipped with a basic understanding of their rights, students and the public came together to protest against perceived political and economic injustices. However, many participants did not possess a deeper understanding of how political institutions operate, how policies are developed, or how to sustain their engagement in the long term.
Without ongoing political education, movements are at risk of losing their momentum after immediate issues are resolved. Participants may feel disillusioned or apathetic when underlying systemic problems are left unaddressed. By promoting political literacy, the momentum generated by the 2024 movement can be sustained, helping to ensure that individuals continue to engage actively in the democratic process beyond times of crisis.
Political education equips citizens with critical thinking skills, enabling them to differentiate between genuine political discussions and misleading tactics. This education also makes them less vulnerable to disinformation and populist rhetoric, ensuring that future movements remain focused on their core objectives without being diverted by external pressures.
One of the challenges every large-scale movement faces is sustaining engagement after the initial surge of activity subsides. Despite its significance, the anti-discrimination movement may become merely a historical footnote if its members do not continue to actively engage in the political process.
In Bangladesh, where the voting process has often shown fluctuations, it is essential to nurture an atmosphere of continuous political engagement. Political education plays a crucial role in helping individuals recognise the importance of advocacy, voting, and civic participation, fostering a politically active society that holds its leaders accountable consistently rather than only during crises. In a context where democracy has been fragile and frequently challenged by authoritarianism or political violence, it is vital to cultivate democratic values such as equality, justice, and freedom 鈥� principles that are fundamentally supported by political education.
The cyclical nature of power shifts and the absence of meaningful changes in governance or policy have led to disillusionment and political alienation among the people. To move forward, the country must develop a new political settlement that is inclusive, participatory, and focused on long-term development. This may require reforms that diminish the dominance of the two major parties, encourage the rise of new political players, and enhance a culture of accountability and transparency.
Without such a change, Bangladeshis may remain trapped in a political cycle that fails to meet their aspirations for a better future. Political education empowers citizens by providing them with the tools to demand transparency, engage constructively with their government, and hold their leaders accountable.
听
Md Habibul Haque is a lecturer in English at ZH Sikder University of Science and Technology.