Politics is the system that dictates how power is used, resources are distributed, rights are protected, and conflicts are resolved. If people use public sector work to increase personal wealth, privilege, and influence, it raises the question of whether the state serves the people or only a powerful minority. This issue has been prominent in Bangladesh. Despite over 5 decades since independence, the country still struggles with issues such as corruption, inequality, unemployment, poor institutions and lack of accountability. Although there have been changes in the political leadership, if the methods of running the country remain the same, then there is no democratic change. The real issue is whether or not the politics are serving the right people.
Bourgeois politics (Marxist Political Economy) refers to those with capital, productive resources and large amounts of private property. Bourgeois politics looks at those with economic power, political influence, policies and the distribution of resources in the country. Private enterprise, investment and wealth creation do not have to conflict with democracy. The issue is if economic power is used to gain disproportionate levels of political influence, which can then be used to gain further economic benefits. The issue is whether individuals have become wealthy or are using their wealth to influence decisions, limit competition and gain privileges.
If political power is bought and gives individuals economic opportunities, then democracy can become an unfair game for the privileged. Democracy should allow all citizens equal opportunities to participate in politics. Ideally, those in positions of power would have the skills, integrity, experience and passion for public service. In reality, political campaigns and parties need funding. However, if political involvement becomes too costly, skilled individuals lacking wealth will be unable to be in positions of power. If getting nominated by political parties, roles within the party and getting involved with politicians are dependent on wealth, then politics can become a game for those with influence.
A core role of the state is to ensure laws are enforced fairly, resources are protected, and everyone has fair opportunities for economic and social growth. If political connections influence public procurement, infrastructure, lending from banks, land allocation, tax, licensing and public roles, then competition is lost, and public trust is lost. If banks lend money based on political influence rather than what they can afford to pay, this results in increased non-performing loans. This can weaken financial institutions, cause a loss of trust from depositors and reduce investment in productive areas.
Ultimately, if the state is run by the privileged, the economic efficiency and public trust will be lost. Economic growth, industrialisation and private investment are vital for development. However, having an increased national income does not mean everyone will benefit. Everyday citizens may still struggle with the cost of living, lack of jobs, expensive healthcare and unequal access to quality education. We cannot just look at economic growth stats to understand how well the country is doing.
Although businesses can create jobs, innovation and productivity, this will help the country prosper. The state needs to promote entrepreneurship whilst ensuring the rights of workers, consumers, fair competition and essential public services. Personal leadership, lack of tolerance for differing opinions, political bias, lack of transparency and political connections can occur again. Whether a movement is committed to change can be seen by how they act once they have gained power.
If you want independent institutions but undermine them when in government, this is not democratic change. This is just changing who benefits from political power. Bangladesh needs independent institutions. The electoral commission, judiciary, public sector, anti-corruption and financial regulation should all be run fairly according to the law. Democracy should ensure that the systems in place stop anyone in power from having too much control. Criticisms of bourgeois politics should be backed with changes.
Political donations and campaign spending should be fully transparent and independently audited. Conflicts of interest should be identified when it comes to public procurement, development, lending from banks and policymaking. Public roles should be filled based on merit and fairness. Investigations into corruption and abuse of power should be independent. Political connections should not protect those in power or target those against them. Public spending, the cost of projects and performance should be visible to the public.
Political parties should improve democracy within. Nominations should be transparent. Opportunities should be given to women, young people, workers and those with less wealth. Having a free press, transparency, an independent judiciary and an effective legislature is also key. These changes should ensure there are clear boundaries between legitimate business interests and public power. Businesses should have the opportunity to compete and innovate but should not have protection from the law or preferential treatment due to their economic strength.
The main issue with bourgeois politics is whether economic power is being held to account by democratic processes or if the democratic processes are becoming more for private interests. This can’t be determined by political slogans or changes to leadership. It can be determined by looking at how resources are distributed, whether laws are being enforced fairly, whether institutions are independent and whether everyday citizens have opportunities.
The state should not belong to a political party, individual or wealthy minority. Public power has been given to those in charge, and resources should be managed for the good of everyone. Money will always play a role in politics, and private capital will be essential for development. However, we should not allow money to buy political connections, wealth to provide protection, or public roles to be a way to get rich.
We’re not trying to be against wealth or business, but we want a democratic country where there is economic freedom but also accountability, fair political competition and development for society as a whole. Ultimately, political power should be measured by whether the state is fair, has integrity and offers justice and opportunities. The main question should be whether the state really belongs to the people.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author
The writer is a columnist and political analyst
