Rokan's Journal

HRM Rokan Uddin

Probably for the first time in the political history of Bangladesh, we have witnessed something that many thought was unlikely—a courtesy visit by Mr. Tarek Rahman to Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and Mr. Nahid Islam following the announcement of the election results. In a political culture long dominated by confrontation, mistrust, and zero-sum rivalry, this simple act carries symbolic weight far beyond protocol. Politics in Bangladesh has too often been defined by hostility rather than civility. Elections were frequently followed by bitterness, accusations, street tensions, and deepening polarization. Against that backdrop, a gesture of courtesy signals a potential shift in tone—a recognition that political competition need not translate into permanent enmity. It suggests that democratic rivalry can coexist with mutual respect.

Such actions matter. They send messages not only to party leaders but also to grassroots workers and supporters. When senior leaders demonstrate maturity and restraint, it shapes political behavior at every level. Courtesy at the top can reduce aggression at the bottom. In a country where political tensions have sometimes spilled into violence, symbolic gestures of reconciliation can contribute meaningfully to stability. After the July Revolution, the people have clearly conveyed that they do not merely want a change of face; they want a change in mindset and political behavior. A change in leadership that is not reflected in a transformation of political culture cannot be sustainable. People now expect a political environment where there will be competition for power but based on principles; where opposition will exist but expressed with civility; where criticism will be present but grounded in facts and responsibility.

For a long time, politics has been marked by violence, retaliation, personal attacks, character assassination, and divisive rhetoric, creating an unhealthy atmosphere. Elections have often meant tension, and disagreement has often meant hostility. The nation wants to move beyond this mentality. Citizens want political parties to understand that dissent is a strength of democracy, not a weakness. Ideological differences are natural; however, those differences must not threaten state stability or social harmony. People want political competition to be based on performance, development plans, and commitments to good governance. They no longer wish to see politics driven by hatred, divisive strategies, or degrading language aimed at discrediting opponents. Organized character attacks, misinformation, and inflammatory narratives on social media weaken national unity. The public wants to move away from such toxic practices.

They want parliament to become the arena for debate—not the streets as battlegrounds for confrontation. They want law enforcement agencies to function as neutral guardians of the state, not as political instruments. They want opposition parties to be treated as participants in the democratic process, not pushed to the sidelines. In a healthy democracy, a strong government is necessary—but so is a strong and responsible opposition. Above all, people want political language to be humane. Differences of opinion should exist—but they must not turn into hatred. Debate should continue—but it must not degenerate into personal attacks. Politics should serve to improve people’s lives, not as a source of fear. Politicians must understand that they are competitors, not enemies; they may differ in views, but they remain partners in safeguarding national interest.

The July Revolution has created an expected new political framework built on civility, tolerance, accountability, and inclusion. Now is the time to turn that expectation into reality. Because without a transformation in political culture, no democratic transition can truly be complete. A democracy matures when political actors understand that today’s opponent may be tomorrow’s partner in national interest. Courtesy visits and respectful engagement do not weaken political positions; they strengthen democratic legitimacy. They demonstrate confidence rather than insecurity. They reflect a willingness to govern not through exclusion but through dialogue. If this gesture marks the beginning of a broader transformation, it could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape. Imagine a culture where leaders meet across ideological lines without hostility, where parliamentary debates replace street clashes, where policy arguments replace personal insults, and where electoral victory does not mean the humiliation of rivals. Such a shift would not only improve political stability but also enhance economic confidence and international credibility.

Mr. Tarek Rahman’s move sets an important tone. Leadership is not only about policy; it is also about example. By initiating respectful engagement, he has signaled that political civility can coexist with strong ideological conviction. The real challenge now is continuity. One gesture, however positive, must evolve into consistent practice—across issues, across crises, and across political differences. Political reform is not achieved through constitutional amendments alone; it begins with behavior. If leaders collectively move away from toxic rhetoric and confrontational habits, the entire political ecosystem will gradually adjust. Youth activists, party workers, civil society actors, and media commentators will take cues from the tone set at the top.

Bangladesh truly stands at a historic crossroads today. Recent events, mass movements, and political transitions have brought the nation to the threshold of a new chapter. At this moment, the expectations of the people are unmistakably clear. They do not want to return to the old politics of conflict, retaliation, and division. People today want development—but not merely infrastructure projects. They seek human development, employment generation, industrial growth, modernization of agriculture, technological advancement, and a stable economy. They demand justice—electoral justice, administrative justice, and social justice. The rule of law must prevail in such a way that no individual or group stands above it. The judiciary must be impartial and transparent, so that ordinary citizens can trust that their rights are protected. The demand of time is not politics of revenge, but a justice-based state system.

Economic recovery has become an urgent necessity. Prolonged political instability and administrative challenges have affected the economy. Most importantly, people want national unity. Divisive politics has long damaged the social fabric. The country seeks to move beyond the culture of labeling citizens by party identity. Courtesy is not weakness; it is strength rooted in confidence. Respect is not surrender; it is a foundation for stability. If such political maturity becomes institutionalized, Bangladesh could move toward a more resilient democratic future—where power transitions peacefully, opposition is respected, and governance is inclusive. The hope now is that this positive change will multiply in the coming years. Let this not be an isolated event but the beginning of a broader redefinition of political conduct. The nation is watching. The people are ready for a new chapter. The responsibility rests with the leaders to ensure that this promise evolves into a sustained culture of dignity, restraint, and democratic respect.

Author: Retired Major General; Geopolitical and Security Analyst, Writer and Researcher

Email: hrmrokan@hotmail.com