The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the behaviour of some leaders and activists from certain political parties, warning that a “now it’s our turn” mindset is leading to a worrying pattern of power abuse reminiscent of the fallen authoritarian regime.
In a press statement today (24 August), TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said that this mindset has manifested in widespread factionalism, extortion, illegal occupation, plundering of state resources, and violence.
TIB described it as an “ominous sign” for the “New Bangladesh” envisioned by the people.
The TIB also urged the political parties to “face the mirror” and learn from the core principles of the anti-authoritarian movements.
“Over the last year, following the fall of the authoritarian regime, the actions of some leaders and activists of the country’s most influential political parties have emerged as a reflection of the multi-faceted misuse of power and self-serving practices that characterised the fallen regime,” Iftekharuzzaman stated.
He added that in some instances, even the “fallen political forces” remain passively involved in such collusive practices.
According to the statement, traditional partisan practices, illegal occupations, and the “trading over political positions” have intensified.
The TIB chief also highlighted that the assertion of demands has often been accompanied by coercion, with some religiously motivated or “isolated forces” leading to violations of the rights of minorities, women, indigenous, and marginalised communities.
Iftekharuzzaman pointed out the “alarming gaps in internal accountability” within political parties, noting that law enforcement agencies and the administration have often failed to control these actors and, at times, played a “supportive or protective role”.
He warned that the resurgence of extortion and illegal occupation of transport terminals, markets, and other resources “perpetuates the continuation of misrule reminiscent of the past authoritarian regime”.
The press statement also highlighted that some activists from the new political parties that emerged from the anti-discrimination movement, which had promised good governance, have also engaged in irregularities, effectively adopting the existing corrupt practices.
“Above all, the long-anticipated ‘new political arrangement’ risks being increasingly and visibly held hostage by the old, unhealthy political culture,” Iftekharuzzaman said.
He posed a critical question to the political parties: are they sending a message that they have no real interest in ending authoritarian practices but, on the contrary, intend to “nurture and perpetuate these very practices”?
Iftekharuzzaman stressed the need for parties to foster a people-centered political culture through internal democratic practices, accountability, and ethics.
“If political parties do not ensure internal accountability, the disappointment of the people… will deepen,” he said, emphasising that fundamental reform is essential to distinguish the politics of a “New Bangladesh” from the authoritarianism of the past.