How Bangladeshis Can Take Back Our Country

Bangladesh once again stands at a critical political crossroads. The 13th parliamentary election is not merely a procedural transfer of power; it carries the potential to become a historic turning point that reshapes the state, politics, and civic life. The question is whether we, as a nation, are prepared to seize this opportunity.

If citizens consciously uphold just three fundamental conditions -- before and after the 13th national election -- a transformative shift in state institutions, governance, and public trust is entirely possible.

One: Vote “Yes” -- This Is a Popular Referendum

Casting a vote in this election is not simply about endorsing a party or a candidate. In effect, a “yes” vote represents a popular verdict -- a mass referendum -- on the present condition of the state and the direction it should take in the future.

Today, the people of Bangladesh face a basic question: Do we compromise with politics driven by fear, mistrust, and stagnation, or do we move toward democracy, reform, and accountability?

Abstention is not neutrality. It is a form of silent consent that allows incompetence, corruption, and abuse of power to persist. History shows that when citizens withdraw from the political process, the state is captured by organized but narrow interest groups.

In this context, a “yes” vote carries a clear political message. It is not a partisan slogan; it is a collective public endorsement of state reform. Turning up at the polling station is the people’s declaration that they want change, demand accountability, and expect democracy to function in practice.

This election, in essence, is a referendum:

• Between democracy and managed politics
• Between merit and blind loyalty
• Between unity and division

Two: Choose Merit, Not Party Labels

One of the core reasons behind Bangladesh’s political malaise is blind partisan loyalty. The tendency to select candidates based on party identity, factional allegiance, religion, or gender -- rather than competence -- has repeatedly rendered parliament ineffective. The entire nation has paid the price.

This time, the second condition must be clear: voters should elect capable, honest, and competent individuals to parliament, regardless of party, group, religion, or gender. If truly qualified people are elected to all 300 seats, parliament will no longer function merely as a rubber stamp for the ruling side. Instead, it can become a genuine center of accountable lawmaking.

A competent lawmaker is not simply a charismatic speaker or an influential figure. Competence means understanding the constitution, grasping the long-term interests of the state, and being prepared to remain accountable to the people.

Three: Compel a National Unity Government After the Election

The responsibility of citizens does not end on polling day. In fact, the most crucial role begins after the votes are counted. Scarred by years of political polarization, vendetta, and mistrust, Bangladesh is no longer in a position to bear the concentration of power under a single-party rule.

This reality makes the case for a national unity government. Such a government is not a sign of weakness; it reflects political maturity and statecraft. In a deeply divided society, inclusive governance is often the only way to generate broad political legitimacy for essential reforms.

Why is a national unity government necessary? Because rebuilding institutions -- the electoral system, the judiciary, the civil administration, and the security sector -- cannot be achieved through the goodwill of a single party alone. It requires multi-party participation, mutual oversight, and shared responsibility.

Glaring examples of the success of a unity or coalition government come from developing countries like Tunisia and Sri Lanka and developed country like Germany. By adopting a coalition or unity government, these countries handled insurmountable challenges and came out relatively successful.

This is why the third condition must be that citizens compel the winning party to form a national unity government. This is not a concession; it is the people’s moral and political right.

What Could Be the Outcome?

If these three conditions are met, no single party will be the real winner -- Bangladesh will be.

• Urgent constitutional and institutional reforms can be implemented
• The governance framework will become more balanced and accountable
• Democracy and good governance will move from slogans to lived practice
• Public trust in the state will be restored

This is not an idealistic fantasy. History repeatedly demonstrates that when citizens are conscious and organized, they can alter the course of the state.

This election, therefore, is not just a contest of ballots; it is a moral choice about the future. If the people uphold these three conditions, Bangladesh’s future can indeed be brighter -- Inshallah.

Ruby Amatulla is a writer and political and geo-political analyst.