POLITICS in Bangladesh has evolved from a fragile system of governance and public service into a full-fledged enterprise. It now operates within a framework of crony capitalism that blurs the boundary between public wealth and private profit, enabling actors to collude and recruit new clients in order to siphon public resources for personal gain. To grasp its impact on ordinary citizens, it is essential to understand both the drivers of this political commodification and the mechanisms through which it operates.
The framing of politics as a cash cow has its roots in the nation’s political and socio-economic history. Since Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971, power has become increasingly concentrated in fewer hands. Gradually, the political sphere turned into a battleground for extracting wealth, and public interest became collateral damage. Political parties that once had foundations based on ideology and public good have deteriorated into groups largely competing for power and opportunities for looting. This change has been driven by insufficient institutional frameworks, pervasive corruption, and a lack of accountability, enabling politics to function as a profitable business model.
One of the most important mechanisms through which political actors generates profit is the distortion of state resources. Political party members influence public procurement, government contracts, and tendering processes. These sectors—especially construction and infrastructure—are among the most vulnerable to bribery and graft. Projects funded by taxpayers or international aid often become resource black holes that drain time and money but leave contractors and officials with windfalls and perks, while intended beneficiaries watch from the sidelines.
Businesses also have strong incentives to build relationships with power structures at local, national, and international levels. Control over natural resources is no exception. Political elites control access to gas, oil, and land in Bangladesh and use their authority to secure lucrative contracts and monopolise profits. Land grabbing — often facilitated through development projects — is another example in which political connections override legal and moral norms. Such exploitation drains national resources, impoverishes vulnerable communities and undermines their livelihoods.
This dynamic — a symbiosis between business groups, political leaders, and economic elites — marks the rise of ‘profit politics’ in Bangladesh. The usual outcome of crony capitalism is that political actors collaborate with business tycoons to create monopolies. They rely on political allies to craft laws and directives that benefit specific businesses, and in turn, those businesses finance their campaigns. This produces an economy in which competition is crushed and wealth becomes concentrated within a small minority.
Corruption lies at the heart of the commercialisation of politics. Bribery and favouritism abound, and the looting of state resources by top officials occurs openly. Public offices have effectively become profit centres instead of institutions of service. Bureaucrats and politicians often wear multiple hats, dispensing public goods — such as licenses, permits and essential utilities — while extorting bribes in exchange. A culture of impunity ensures that everyone gets away with it.
Election campaigns further entrench the politics of profit. Contests require significant financial investment for rallies, advertisements and mobilising voters. Once elected, politicians expect to recover these expenses — along with substantial additional returns — through corruption and rent-seeking. This creates a cycle in which political office is treated as a source of income, rather than a means to serve the public.
The consequences of politics-as-business are profound, involving the erosion of governance. When decisions are based on personal or party interests rather than public welfare, collective needs fade. Human capital development, education, health, and infrastructure become underfunded and poorly managed, while policymakers prioritize immediate economic gains over long-term growth. The commodification of politics is the antithesis of democratic principles. It excludes large sections of the population, perpetuates inequity, and suppresses transformational leadership. This concentration of wealth and power among political elites deepens socio-economic inequalities, pushing significant portions of the population into poverty. When people see that their representatives care more about personal gain than community welfare, trust in political institutions collapses. This sense of betrayal can lead to social unrest and weaken civic cohesion.
Addressing the treatment of politics as a business in Bangladesh requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting transparency in political financing, and enforcing anti-corruption laws are indispensable. Equally important is cultivating a political culture that views governance as service rather than profit. Raising awareness of citizens’ rights and encouraging public participation can pressure leaders to remain accountable and act as drivers of systemic reform.
In conclusion, governance, democracy and social equity in Bangladesh are being undermined by commercialised politics. Though profit-driven politics have become entrenched, tackling this issue is vital for the nation’s sustainable progress. A renewed focus on accountability, transparency, and public welfare may guide Bangladesh towards a political system rooted in service to its people.
Sohan Reza, a lecturer in English, Rajshahi Shikkha Board Govt Model School & College, is head of program at Radio Padma 99.2 FM.