The lists of dengue infections and deaths are only getting longer, and nobody can tell if, or when, the situation will get better. The prices of daily essentials continue to skyrocket, with the price of eggs, the go-to protein for the poor, now equal to that of a kilogram of broiler chicken. Meanwhile, more than 50 people were killed in the floods in Chattogram and the Chittagong Hill Tracts area in recent weeks.

In all of this, it is the common people (or in the context of the upcoming national election, the voters) who are the worst sufferers. But the politicians seem to be blissfully oblivious to the plight of their electorate. There is no denying that the country is headed towards its next parliamentary election with the two major political parties harbouring opposite stances regarding the election itself. Of course, a free, fair, and inclusive election is necessary for a better society and stronger democracy. But when people are suffering the most, when they are dying because of poor governance, how can the political parties focus on only the physical exercise of the election and how it will play out in about four months? Shouldn't their focus be on how best to serve the people now? Shouldn't they be concerned about the welfare of the poorest of society? Shouldn't our politicians be working to win the hearts and minds of the people, instead of engaging in political power play with their archrivals?

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Living like the poor, paying like the rich

Ideally, and historically, people get into politics for the welfare of their people. But it appears from recent political machinations that the people have been conveniently forgotten or even sidelined in the game of politics. When one political party says that the country's people are with it, and the other party claims that it represents the people, I can't help but wonder who it is that is actually representing me, or has my interests at heart.

Bangladeshi politics is going through a critical phase. The fact is that politicians have lost control over politics in general, which appears to have been hijacked by corporate interests – given the representation of businessmen and former bureaucrats in the parliament. Currently, around 62 percent of lawmakers are from the business sector. The government's dependency on the administration has increased. And none but the politicians have brought this upon themselves, in their pursuit of shortcuts and expediency. When career politicians become weak, so does politics. And when the people are sidelined, politics – so far as it is concerned with maintaining democracy – becomes more fragile.

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Is the Awami League worried?

It is in this context that the exhortations of the diplomatic corps in Dhaka – India, China, the US, and the EU – about the supremacy of the people and how they hope that the people's wishes will be reflected in the outcome of the election, are both ironic and intriguing.

The two previous elections changed the nature of Bangladeshi people's participation in national politics. The 2014 election, which BNP had boycotted and which saw 153 lawmakers being elected uncontested, remains a rare example of a lopsided election. In the 2018 election, many people were denied the right to cast their votes, and allegations emerged of ballot-stuffing on the eve of elections, so much so that it was even mentioned by Awami League's alliance members. When politicians found that they could get elected even without votes, voters ceased to become a factor to consider when trying to win elections. In the past, candidates did have to woo voters, and win their hearts and minds to get their votes. But now, when a mere nomination all but guarantees victory for a candidate, the exercise of putting in effort to win voters has become all but cosmetic.

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Did BNP make the wrong call?

On the other hand, while the opposition can do little so far as actual measures are concerned – whether that relates to dengue or prices – it is their responsibility to hold the government accountable. It falls on the opposition to keep these issues alive so that the government cannot ignore them. One way to do that is in parliament, which has unfortunately lost its purpose since the official opposition is, by and large, an informal extension of the ruling party alliance. Meanwhile, the main opposition camp on the streets, BNP, is too obsessed with its one-point demand for a resignation of the ruling government than with the plight of the voters.

So now, whenever I hear calls for this or that "in the name of the people," and when political parties launch campaigns for the supposed sake of the people, it seems to me that those politicians are merely cementing their political careers using the name of the people. Is anyone actually thinking about the families of those 50 people who died in the floods? Or about the children who are going to bed hungry in Bangladesh even now? That one has to pose such questions in a column is perhaps an even bigger tragedy.

Mohammad Al-Masum Molla is chief reporter at The Daily Star.

The culture of patronage politics that has devastated our nation over the years—fostering corruption, undermining meritocracy, and weakening institutions—begins at grassroots with the capture of public contracts and extortion by political thugs, and culminates with systemic regulatory capture by vested interest groups, all of which serves as an incentive for them to keep working for the party in power. This corrupt cycle seems to have begun again after a brief pause caused by the July-August mass uprising, with the regime change only changing the thugs and their cohorts.  

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Reforms needed in political parties and the electoral process in Bangladesh

Over the past two-three weeks, we have had a number of reports on how BNP-linked leaders and activists, civil servants, and professional groups have been trying to establish control in various sectors. This suggests that patronage politics may continue to be around even after a political government returns to power, unless political and institutional reforms are undertaken to prevent it. This is deeply alarming.

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Stop extortion in transport sector

The latest example has its setting in Nagar Bhaban, which houses the headquarters of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). According to a report by Prothom Alo, BNP-affiliated activists and employees have been trying to establish their dominance through a mix of showdowns, intimidation, assaults, and even extortion, creating a tense atmosphere there. They have their eyes on proceeds and contracts/leasing from various public works, projects, and markets run under the DSCC. Recently, a contractor's representative was beaten over the submission of a tender. Five high-ranking officials were also harassed, and one even beaten publicly. Promotions and placements of officials are also being controlled.

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Health sector needs attention on an urgent basis

Prothom Alo has earlier reported how BNP-linked individuals forcibly took control of the Shimulia ferry terminal, fish market, and trawler docks in Munshiganj's Louhajanj upazila by allegedly threatening and assaulting legitimate leaseholders. They have established a lucrative extortion racket there, collecting hundreds of thousands of taka daily. We have heard of a similar capture of many other terminals and markets, transport hubs and associations, footpaths, slums, and such public spaces that were previously controlled by or leased out to Awami League-linked leaders.

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Govt must restore discipline in civil administration

The question is, what is BNP doing about it? Officially, the party remains committed to preventing such exploitations. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday issued a warning saying that there is no place for criminals and miscreants in the party. Another top leader has been more specific, vowing stern consequences for those indulging in extortion and illegal capture of the public sector. But hardly anything has come of these warnings yet. This means at least two things: either this message is not being delivered strongly enough to grassroots leaders and activists, through swift punitive actions to convey the seriousness of the message, or the party, beyond public condemnations, is still not serious enough about it.

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Extortion at slums, footpaths must stop

Both scenarios are equally concerning. We urge the BNP leadership to take action matching its strong words. It must prevent its grassroots leaders, professional groups or anyone exploiting its name to establish dominance through exemplary punishment. As the leading party in the country now, BNP has a duty to not just support but also actively take part in the reforms being envisioned by the students and people that toppled the Awami League government. It must help do away with the political culture of yesteryears that has brought nothing but misery for the country.

However, we also need institutional reforms to dismantle this entrenched culture, and for that, comprehensive actions from the interim government are essential.

This year, the Victory Day feels particularly significant due to this year's powerful uprising. To commemorate this special day, here are some events to help you embrace the spirit of patriotism. 

Among them is a special concert titled "Shobar Agey Bangladesh", organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), taking place today at Manik Mia Avenue.

The concert will feature artistes including Syed Abdul Hadi, Khurshid Alam, Kanak Chapa, Baby Naznin, Monir Khan, Kona, Imran, Pritom, Mousumi, and Xefer. Additionally, popular bands such as Nagarbaul, Ark, Shironamhin, Artcell, Avoid Rafa, Different Touch, and Souls will also perform.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised a day-long program to celebrate Victory Day, featuring a month-long exhibition titled "2024: Oi Notuner Keton Ure". This exhibition showcases posters, paintings, photographs, videos, and cartoons that capture various aspects of the July uprising. It aims to create a comprehensive archive documenting student and public protests, the fall of authoritarian regimes, and dynamic movements through wall writings, murals, and photographic records. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki will inaugurate the exhibition at 7 pm. 

A special dance performance, titled "Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam" will be presented by artists from the Bangladesh Dancers' Foundation. Renowned singer Ferdous Ara will also perform a special solo musical performance, alongside band performances by Artcell and Lalon.

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Revisiting big-screen Liberation War classics

If you prefer to stay home and enjoy some uplifting movies and music on TV, here's a list of programmes you can look forward to.

Banglavision will feature a special guest, renowned singer Shaheen Samad, on their morning program "Din Protidin." An esteemed artiste of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, who played a key role in motivating millions during the 1971 Liberation War, Shaheen Samad will share inspiring stories of the freedom fighters and reflect on the experiences of Victory Day. She will also discuss her dreams about music and the current state of affairs. The program will air at 8:30 am today.

Boishakhi TV will broadcast a special drama titled "Birongona", starring Aparna Ghose as Birongona. The drama highlights the sacrifices and struggles faced by the unsung heroes of 1971. The cast also includes Rawnak Hasan, Manoj Pramanik, Riya Khan, and Monir Zaman in key roles. It will air at 10:30 pm today.

At 10:00 am, "Hangor Nodi Grenade," directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam and starring Sohel Rana, Suchorita, and Rajib, will be telecast. At 2:30 pm, the movie "Alor Michil", directed by Narayan Ghosh Mita and featuring Anwar Hossain, Babita, Razzak, and Sujata, will also air.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) has arranged a range of special programmes, including documentaries, children's shows, dance performances, musical events, self-composed poetry recitals and dramas.

BTV will broadcast the special drama "Chobi Kotha Bole" at 9:05 PM, starring Kazi Asad, Momena Chowdhury, AK Azad Shetu, Sallha Khanam Nadia, Sabbir Ahmed, and others.

Channel i will air the Impress Telefilm production "Oggatonama", directed by Tauquir Ahmed, at 3:05 PM. Additionally, a special telefilm titled "Tumi Asbe Bole" will be broadcast at 9:35 PM.

At 10:15 am, "Sphulingo" will be aired, starring Pori Moni, Zakia Bari Mamo, and Shamol Mawla. At 2:10 pm, the movie "Bhuban Majhi" will be shown, featuring Parambrata Chattopadhyay and Aparna Ghose in the lead roles.

At Maasranga Television, a special drama titled "Shesh Prohor" will air at 10:30 pm. Directed by Chayanika Chowdhury, the drama stars Shashwata Datta, Aisha Khan, Abul Hayat, and others.