Change Is Possible

We all dream of a beautiful Bangladesh. But sadly, we often act foul as we seldomly exercise conscience in our regular walk of life. What an ambivalent farce! A culture of moral digression that leads to any form of corruption, deliberate discrimination against minority or weaker class of the society, and preferential treatment will soon turn our beautiful dream into a terrible nightmare. We are simply plaguing our unbound possibilities, and creating a juggernaut state where our honesty and integrity are being strangled in every way possible. We are nipping our bright future in the bud. Avoiding responsibility and nagging the system is quite easy. Let's not forget, we, the people, are also responsible for accepting the system and involving in corruption to a greater or smaller extent in pursuit to meet our urgent need every now and then. It’s an obvious selfish act that subconsciously hatches misdoings which in turn germinate as an unpleasant culture of corruption over time.

Bangladesh: The land of beauty

If widespread corruption is a system, then obviously a corruption-free society is also a system that will touch everyone’s life—from street scavenger to head of the state. For that reason, any loophole, bigger or smaller, is good enough to taint the entire system. Therefore, once society ubiquitously embraces the system, then there is no rubicon. It’s everyone’s moral responsibility to give any promising system a cultural look and realize the outstanding consequences it may bring forth in the long run. That means, we ourselves have to follow each and every aspect of that healthy system by setting examples and encourage or if needed force others to do the same. In that case, the importance of accountability of the policymakers, law enforcers and other authoritative bodies comes to the forefront. If people are the source of power, then it’s the people’s power which is sufficient enough to hold the accountability of those who work for the Republic. It requires some important initiatives—the deep-rooted culture of power distance must be eradicated; a mindset to work as people’s servant has to be well-nurtured and be remindful that failing to do so may cost the job; a massive social campaign needs to be undertaken to create large scale awareness; and of course, an all-inclusive action plan has to be set up to build a gargantuan pool of educated, self-educated and conscious citizens who will really care the state affairs and ready to take opening step whenever needed.  

Change is difficult but not impossible. No nation was impeccably civilized since its inception, and there is where the hope underlies for us. Cynical people will show their cynicism; it’s their natural instinct but change will never come if we retreat or wait for it to happen automatically. Change requires hell-bent initiative, the very drive that starts from micro-level, the family. Any tiny endeavour can bring forth mammoth change. Why not lay down the first founding stone of corruption-free Bangladesh from our own family, from our own community where we usually have a handy command to make any necessary change, and enjoy palpable outcomes immediately. Legacy and culture require time to create spree in the blood of a nation. Solid patience along with persistent effort and firm belief has to be there for the generation to follow. Beseeching remembrance and utmost veneration is only possible if we accomplish our responsibilities by setting examples. Let’s exploit the opportunity in a lifetime to be the exemplary pioneer of change and show the world and say—look, we can! Change is possible, we have to believe it. Belief has a miraculous spirit to accumulate inner energy that inflames our body and mind to do great things. Let’s build our castle of possibility where a better tomorrow will felicitously welcome us. God bless Bangladesh!  

By
Md Azzajur Rahman