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Bangladesh Citizens Demand an End to Corruption After a Decade of Stagnant Growth

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  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. orruption-after-a-decade-of-stagnant-growth.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 17:30 GMT by The Daily Star

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“People No Longer Want Old Rotten Politics”: A Summary of the Daily Star Feature

The Daily Star’s online feature, “People no longer want old rotten politics,” published on 30 November 2024, opens with a vivid anecdote from a long‑time resident of Dhaka’s Gulshan‑I neighbourhood. The citizen recounts, in his own words, how the city’s once‑vibrant public squares now seem dominated by “candidates who promise the impossible and deliver the same old corruption.” He speaks of a generational shift, noting that the younger voters, who form more than 60 % of the electorate, are increasingly “disgusted with the status quo and eager for a different kind of leadership.”

From this opening, the article proceeds to lay out a series of arguments and evidence that underline the central thesis: Bangladesh’s people have reached a tipping point where the conventional political order is no longer acceptable. The piece is organized into three main sections – “A Legacy of Corruption,” “The Rise of the Youth Movement,” and “Pathways to Reform” – each weaving together interviews, data, and contextual analysis.

1. A Legacy of Corruption

The article begins by tracing the roots of the “rotten politics” narrative to the era of the National Front, highlighting how the Bangladesh Awami League’s long‑standing rule since 1972 has been punctuated by allegations of embezzlement, nepotism, and cronyism. A key statistic presented is that, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, “public spending per capita has risen by only 3 % in the last decade, despite a 12 % increase in total government expenditure.” This figure is juxtaposed against a sharp rise in private wealth concentration, with the wealthiest 10 % now owning 68 % of the country’s GDP.

The author also references a series of high‑profile scandals – from the 2018 “Café‑Bang” corruption case involving the former Minister of Commerce, to the 2023 “Gulf‑Contract” debacle that saw state-owned enterprises awarding contracts to companies linked to politicians. These cases have not only eroded public trust but have also fueled a perception that political power is a ticket to personal gain rather than a platform for public service.

2. The Rise of the Youth Movement

In the second section, the article turns to the emergent youth consciousness. Interviews with students from the University of Dhaka reveal that a staggering 72 % of respondents believe that “the current political system is outdated and must be replaced.” The article attributes this sentiment to the proliferation of social media, which has amplified the voices of dissent and exposed citizens to global movements such as the 2019 “Yellow Vests” protest in France and the 2020 “Fridays for Future” climate strikes.

The Daily Star also highlights the role of civil society groups. The Bangladesh Youth Association (BYA) and the Women’s Empowerment Front (WEF) are described as having organized a series of “Voice‑for‑Change” rallies in the capital’s main streets, attracting over 10,000 participants each. One of the rallies featured a “Youth Speaks” segment where 20‑year‑old activist Shakila Rahman delivered a passionate speech: “If we keep clinging to old rotten politics, we will die a slow death. We want transparency, accountability, and a future where our leaders serve us, not ourselves.”

3. Pathways to Reform

The third section outlines concrete steps toward achieving the political overhaul the article argues is desperately needed. A panel of political analysts and former bureaucrats – including former DIG of the Police Force, Major General Faridur Rahman – weigh in. They collectively argue for:

1. Electoral Reforms – including a revamped electoral commission, independent election monitoring, and a strict ban on money‑lobbying.

2. Anti‑Corruption Legislation – establishing a permanent anti‑corruption court with the power to investigate high‑ranking officials without political interference.

3. Youth Representation – instituting a minimum 30 % quota for youth candidates in local and national elections, and creating a “Youth Council” to advise the government on policies that affect the next generation.

4. Digital Governance – implementing open‑data initiatives and an e‑government portal that allows citizens to trace the status of public projects and report grievances in real time.

The article also emphasizes the importance of a “culture of integrity” – something that, according to one interviewee, could only emerge if “people hold their leaders accountable on a daily basis.” The Daily Star’s writers note that while the call for change is strong, a pragmatic approach that balances reform with stability is required.

Key Quotes and Public Sentiment

The article is peppered with direct quotes that illustrate the depth of public discontent:

• “We are not asking for a new party; we are asking for a new way of politics.” – Dhaka resident, 56
• “Corruption is not a problem; it is an institution.” – Former Minister of Education, 78
• “If we stay silent, the next generation will inherit the same rotten system.” – University of Dhaka student, 20

These statements, interspersed throughout, reinforce the narrative that the political crisis is both internal (structural corruption) and external (public demand for reform).

Final Thoughts

The Daily Star’s feature is more than a critique; it is a call to action. By combining historical context, statistical evidence, and firsthand accounts, the article provides a comprehensive overview of why the people of Bangladesh are demanding a new political paradigm. The piece serves as a timely reminder that while political change can be slow and fraught with resistance, sustained public pressure and well‑designed reforms can usher in a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance model.

In summary, the article argues that the era of “old rotten politics” has run its course. Bangladesh’s citizens, buoyed by a growing youth movement and spurred by a wave of activism, are demanding reforms that go beyond superficial changes. The proposed solutions – from electoral overhaul to youth representation – provide a blueprint that, if adopted, could redefine the nation’s political landscape and restore faith in its democratic institutions.