Public Trust Ultimately Determines the Fate of Power Politics

Religious sentiment, the social influence of Islamic scholars and the beliefs of ordinary people have long played an important role in Bangladesh’s politics. In this Muslim-majority country, the views and positions of religious leaders can significantly influence public opinion. However, religious support alone cannot ensure political success. Good governance, justice, economic strength and public trust are equally essential to gaining power, remaining in office and governing effectively.

The issue has recently drawn renewed attention following remarks by Alhaj A. M. M. Bahauddin, editor of the daily Inqilab and president of the Bangladesh Jamiatul Modarresin. He said it was not possible to come to power or remain in power without the support of 92 percent of Muslims. His remarks highlighted the role of Islamic scholars, pirs, spiritual leaders and religious institutions. He also stressed the need to strengthen ties between the BNP government and religious scholars.

The social contributions of religious leaders and their connections with the public cannot be ignored. Support from the majority is important, but it is not the only consideration. Article 11 of Bangladesh’s Constitution upholds democracy and human rights. Article 27 guarantees equality before the law, Article 28 prohibits discrimination on certain grounds, including religion, and Article 41 guarantees religious freedom.

This means that although majority support is important in forming a government, the state has a constitutional duty to protect the rights, dignity and security of every citizen. Bangladesh is home to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and people of other religious identities. Their votes, rights and civic status are equal. Treating the votes of one religious community merely as a political calculation or undervaluing the support of other communities is inconsistent with democratic principles. The state must place citizens’ rights and dignity above their religious identities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has repeatedly urged government officials and employees to take steps to ensure that citizens feel a sense of ownership when they visit public offices. However, this has yet to be fully implemented. People continue to face harassment at hospitals, land offices, police stations, bus and railway stations, and launch terminals. In some cases, citizens cannot access ordinary public services without the approval or influence of ruling-party members.

The success of democracy cannot be measured only by who holds power. How power is exercised, how well citizens’ rights are protected and how accountable the government is are equally important. Islamic scholars and religious leaders can play an important role in promoting morality, humanity, honesty and a sense of responsibility in society. They should support the government’s positive initiatives while also speaking out against corruption, injustice, discrimination, public suffering and the abuse of power. This is a natural expression of their moral responsibility.

Maintaining good relations between religious leaders and the government is not inherently negative. Such cooperation can produce positive results if it supports religious education, moral values, poverty reduction, education and social development. However, if the relationship is limited to political loyalty, official positions or party interests, the independence and moral authority of religious leaders may come under question.

Religious scholars may have expectations of the government, but they also have responsibilities towards the public. Calling injustice just or remaining silent about public suffering for the sake of party interests does not enhance their standing. Rather, standing up for the truth, speaking against corruption and defending people’s rights strengthen their credibility and public acceptance.

In his remarks, Alhaj A. M. M. Bahauddin expressed the hope that closer relations between the government and religious scholars would bring “blessings”. Such expectations are understandable from a religious perspective. However, the pursuit of blessings in state affairs must go hand in hand with practical solutions to people’s problems.

Public trust depends largely on the government’s performance in controlling prices, creating jobs, combating corruption, improving administrative efficiency, raising educational standards, improving healthcare, increasing investment and ensuring justice. Ordinary people want to see political promises reflected in their daily lives.

If essential goods remain unaffordable, employment opportunities for young people fail to grow, people face harassment in seeking justice or irregularities obstruct access to public services, political or religious alliances alone cannot ease public frustration.

Similarly, candidates in local government elections should be assessed not only on their party affiliations but also on their honesty, competence, public engagement and past record. A candidate’s religious identity or political backing does not guarantee success in public service. Candidates must prove their worth through their actions to earn public trust.

Good relations with religious scholars may have political significance, but they are no substitute for good governance. To turn electoral support into lasting public trust, the government must control corruption, uphold the rule of law, create employment, ensure public safety and strengthen administrative accountability. Rather than treating the support of any particular group as a permanent political asset, the government should focus on meeting the expectations of the people.

In conclusion, winning an election is a major achievement for a political party, but the real test of sustaining that success begins after it takes office. Majority support can pave the way for forming a government, while cooperation from religious leaders can strengthen its connection with society. However, justice, good governance, citizens’ rights and public welfare provide the strongest foundation for a government’s long-term stability.

To earn public trust, the government must protect the rights, dignity and welfare of every citizen, including those who support the opposition. Ultimately, the most important question in power politics is not who supported whom, but what those in power have done for the people.

Author: Shahidul Islam Kabir, President, Liberation War Generation Council
Email: shahid_kabir2007@yahoo.com