Politics should be left to politicians, while businessmen build the economy

In any nation, prosperity is achieved when everyone performs their designated roles. This benefits the state, ensures smooth governance, and makes the establishment of good governance easier. However, in Bangladesh, we often see people crossing the boundaries of their professions. Teachers are frequently more focused on politics than on teaching, confining themselves within the brackets of various political parties. Bureaucrats feel comfortable being identified as supporters of the ruling party. It seems that promotion is secured not through merit or competence, but by echoing the rhetoric of those in power and engaging in flattery.

Similarly, doctors, engineers, and journalists—people from all walks of professional life—appear more interested in political loyalty than in their professional duties. Many businessmen believe that engaging in politics will expand their business interests. Many members of civil society seek to improve their fortunes by becoming appendages of major political parties. In this way, professionals across the country seek additional advantages under the shadow of politics. Consequently, politics no longer remains solely in the hands of politicians. Political organisations and professional bodies merge into a chaotic mix. This not only harms the professionalism of experts and businessmen but, more importantly, severely damages the growth of democracy.

As a result, political parties stop nurturing skilled and idealistic grassroots workers and instead look for “ready-made” leaders. They bring doctors, engineers, athletes, showbiz stars, and  businessmen into their ranks simply to cross electoral hurdles more easily. This leads to the decline of ideology in politics, allowing opportunists and schemers to take over. It creates a negative perception of politics among the general public, and corruption flourishes under the guise of political identity.

There is another deeply concerning aspect of this trend. Political parties become keen on using professionals and businessmen for their own interests. Every party looks for “my people” versus “their people” in every profession. Whichever party comes to power seeks to identify “their people”. “My person” becomes a university vice-chancellor, the Director General of Health, or a secretary, bypassing those who are truly qualified. Meanwhile, “their people” are effectively excluded from opportunities. Professional expertise and the evaluation of merit remain trapped in this cycle.

Among businessmen and industrialists, those who wish to conduct their business with integrity suffer the most in this vicious cycle of hyper-politicisation. Over the past 54 years, a political culture has developed in Bangladesh in which even a trade licence cannot be obtained without the favour of the ruling party. Gas connections, electricity, bank loans—nothing is accessible without government approval.

Therefore, even those not involved in politics are forced to establish close ties with the government. They do so not out of political ambition, but to protect their industries and businesses, and to secure the livelihoods of thousands of workers. Yet, with a change of government, they are labelled as “accomplices” of the previous regime. This has a devastating impact on the private sector.

During the one-and-a-half-year rule of the Yunus government, a planned conspiracy to destroy the private sector was observed. As a result, unemployment has risen, domestic and foreign investment has declined, and poverty has increased. During this time, under the patronage of the Yunus government, “mob forces” attacked thousands of factories, committing arson and looting. False cases were filed against numerous businessmen to harass them. Vengeful behaviour towards many institutions has endangered the private sector as a whole. Consequently, the new government stands before a fragile and dire economic reality. It is not just the private sector; a dark shadow of intense partisanisation now looms over all professional institutions. The game of “hide and seek” in identifying “my people” and “their people” continues everywhere.

That this issue has caught the prime minister’s attention is evident from two recent events. In a meeting with athletes, the prime minister stated that athletes should not get involved in politics. This is not just a message for athletes; it is a wake-up call for all professionals. Through this, the head of government clearly signalled that her administration does not wish to gain cheap applause by dragging professionals into the party fold.

Secondly, as in the past, showbiz stars applied for nominations for reserved seats from the ruling party. However, the ruling BNP disappointed them all. By nominating those who fought for the party during its difficult times, the BNP has sent a message: politics should remain in the hands of politicians. This is a positive step. It is hoped that, in this way, professionals and businessmen will focus on their respective fields. Thus, Bangladesh will move forward.

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Audite Karim is a writer and playwright. Email: [email protected]