Strange bed fellows

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Mahmudur Rahman
The expression "politics makes strange bed fellows" is one that has done the rounds long enough to be understood if not tally accepted. But when politics comes to the family level it takes on a different dimension. In the sub-continent, people have become used to politics remaining in the family. They are also fast becoming used to this running through generations no matter the quality of the individual. There's something almost surreal about such a phenomenon where the 'breed' rather than the 'stock' is given preference to.
But the new British Labour party Chief Ed Miliband who squeaked past his brother David Miliband in the internal elections appears, at least in public not to have stirred familial relationship. Edward's candidature against his own brother wasn't considered to be too serious an issue until he debunked the 'new labour' concept, came out strong with his opposition to Britain's involvement in the Iraq war, criticised the way the UN had been manipulated in the process and suddenly emerged as the person saying that things everyone expected politicians to.
He hit at the heart of some of labour's core policies by saying a stand had to be taken against immigration and greater control was required over banking institutions. The obvious question that must have been on his brother's lips must have been "where was all this opposition when labour was in power?" Edward's last leg momentum came from the push provided by Britain's unions simmering over the loss of jobs, pay cuts and other cost-cutting measures proposed and being implemented by the coalition government. Whether the new leader has a magic wand to address issues differently from the Tory-Lib Dem government will be seen at some stage.
Within hours, an embattled David retreated completely by announcing his 'retirement' from politics that seek office probably murmuring 'Et tu Ed? Here was the man largely tipped to not only become the next head of labour but also a future Prime Minister who has now refused to even be part of the shadow cabinet that is such an important feature of British politics. His view is that his very presence might undermine some of Edward's moves and initiatives.
The role of the shadow cabinet in shaping economic policy and forging public opinion is one that we are yet to see in Bangladesh. The opportunities afforded by such a cabinet can hardly be over emphasised in an age when the media is hungry for information and news to feed a hungrier audience.
The alternative budget presented by the leader of the opposition was a good start. The follow-up to the measure could have succeeded in creating greater pressure through which there may have been some respite to a general public that is looking for some good news. There's probably sense and learning to be respected from David Miliband's decision.
The writer is a former Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs of British American Tobacco Bangladesh, former CEO of Bangladesh Cricket Board and specializes in corporate affairs, communications and csr.