Bangladesh in The Fifth Decade: A Balance Sheet

Many see Bangladesh as a land of great possibilities and several promises have been made to tap its potential for the benefit of the country and the betterment of the people. Despite progress, albeit at a slow pace, the country's growth has been and continues to be hampered by problems created by the people at the helm, irrespective of party affiliations. Corruption keeps nibbling at the vitals of the nation, opening wide the “get-rich-overnight” option for all power-mongers. The current scenario of two-party dominance and their tussle for power compounded by social degradation has impeded qualitative changes in the realm and nature of democracy. Exploitation by influential sections has not decreased while dissatisfaction based on poor governance continues to fester. On the positive side however, resilience, at times on the part of the government and always on the part of the masses, has been remarkable.