Of leaders and leadership
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Zakiul Islam
WE often hear commentators say that the nation would not like to go back to pre - 1/11 days. These comments and wishes are, in fact, widespread in the society. It is borne out of our utter frustration at the political bigotry that was prevalent in the country before 1/11. Obviously, there was a systemic failure both in the ruling and in the opposition camp. And fingers of accusation would point at the political leadership - individual and collective. The political leadership in Bangladesh thrives on borrowed light and halo!
There is virtually no initiative, no innovation and no serious attempts to inject new and viable ideas and ideals other than the old slogans and misplaced and misconstrued priorities in the programme of any of the parties. Admittedly, the now-discredited military ruler had his ideas of deconstruction and decentralisation of the age old system. He wanted to deliver administration and justice at the door steps of the people. His intentions might have been noble, but for some of us that lofty justice came rather too cheap and the public conception was largely apathetic.
The system had been dysfunctional at its best. So we are all afraid; afraid to take a ride on that imaginary time machine of Jules Verne and traverse backward and very rightly so. Time and again, commentators and politicians are echoing the view of changing the leadership and its pattern. Such views have been widely propagated through political speeches, through the print and electronic media and in the numerous talk shows. One of the regular columnists of the FE made a strong case for the educated and enlightened of the country and extolled them to come out of the closet to take an active part in the affairs of the state. Now is the time to bring about a qualitative change in the system. The common call is: anyone who cares for the good of this country but has been sitting on the fence or watching the hapless proceedings with utter helplessness ought to come forward and come out openly.
Is leadership in such a short supply in this nation of 140 million? No, in fact, we have a plenty. We have firebrand demagogues who can literally incinerate the Paltan and its surroundings, we have supercharged labour leaders who can halt the wheel of economy at will, we have religious leaders who engage in polemics to create division, day in and day out, and, above all, we have a plethora of political leaders who have over the years proven themselves as nothing more than "self - motivated, self-seekers". Leadership of charisma - that, much talked about but little understood phenomenon. I personally think that the days of firebrand, single personality on cult based leadership is a thing of the past. The democratic set up of a modern state needs a dynamic, functional, collective, corporate and pluralistic leadership. Such leadership must be composed of individuals having integrity, strength of character, creativity and a deep sense of commitment and purpose.
Apart from that classical trait of rousing and motivating the masses outdoor, today's leaders must possess Board Room mentality and quality to be able to plan, effectively organise and efficiently administer the complex business called; 'the Government' for the betterment of the country and its citizens.
It is easier said than done. But let us not lose hope. We have business leaders some of whom, with their almost single-minded devotion and single-handed operation, have not only organised and developed the manufacturing industry but have also taken the export potentials of this country to competitive and enviable heights in the international market. We have personalities who have demonstrated outstanding qualities in conceiving, organising and running world class organisations which are operating beyond the boundaries of Bangladesh. We have a Nobel Laureate whose revolutionary vision and pragmatic programmes have changed the lives of millions of poor and downtrodden. Professor Yunus kindled some ray of hope in those dark days, but a short lived one! Frankly speaking, his decision to launch a political platform was hasty and to withdraw was quicker! Reasons for such frustrations are understable. He might have received many a standing
ovation and wise advice, but neither the active support nor the unqualified commitment from the "fence sitters". The educated, the enlightened and the elite abhor things called politics. Most think that politics is a dirty game and ought to be played by the bad guys alone. Such being the notion, how can we expect quality leadership and responsible governance?
These are the days of reforms. We need reforms in governance, the judiciary, the political parties and in the electoral system. But foremost, we need to reform our own thinking, both as individuals and as a nation. Inheriting an economy battered by unbridled corruption and beset with spiralling prices, the present caretaker government has its handful. Unfortunately, to make matters worse, Mother Nature seems to be unkind too. But there is a silver living . The nation feels as one in these difficult days. And it has been proved once again that in its arduous journey to move ahead Bangladesh is not without friends, big and small, far and near. We need to garner that friendship and channelise the national unity for greater good, politically and economically. This will be a paradigm shift from the past, a past that took us to the pinnacle of corruption and almost dumped us into the dungeon of failure as a state. Good, effective, collective al beit corporate leadership is the need of the hour.
But the buzz word is patriotism. Although this good, old theme had sometimes been touted as "the last resort of a scoundrel" to describe attempts by rogues to justify their misdeeds, patriotism must also be the last word for the political leadership. Simply put love for the country cannot allow one to steal its resources on have the mindset to hurt, cheat and deprive fellow countrymen.
The writer is a retired Air Commodore
WE often hear commentators say that the nation would not like to go back to pre - 1/11 days. These comments and wishes are, in fact, widespread in the society. It is borne out of our utter frustration at the political bigotry that was prevalent in the country before 1/11. Obviously, there was a systemic failure both in the ruling and in the opposition camp. And fingers of accusation would point at the political leadership - individual and collective. The political leadership in Bangladesh thrives on borrowed light and halo!
There is virtually no initiative, no innovation and no serious attempts to inject new and viable ideas and ideals other than the old slogans and misplaced and misconstrued priorities in the programme of any of the parties. Admittedly, the now-discredited military ruler had his ideas of deconstruction and decentralisation of the age old system. He wanted to deliver administration and justice at the door steps of the people. His intentions might have been noble, but for some of us that lofty justice came rather too cheap and the public conception was largely apathetic.
The system had been dysfunctional at its best. So we are all afraid; afraid to take a ride on that imaginary time machine of Jules Verne and traverse backward and very rightly so. Time and again, commentators and politicians are echoing the view of changing the leadership and its pattern. Such views have been widely propagated through political speeches, through the print and electronic media and in the numerous talk shows. One of the regular columnists of the FE made a strong case for the educated and enlightened of the country and extolled them to come out of the closet to take an active part in the affairs of the state. Now is the time to bring about a qualitative change in the system. The common call is: anyone who cares for the good of this country but has been sitting on the fence or watching the hapless proceedings with utter helplessness ought to come forward and come out openly.
Is leadership in such a short supply in this nation of 140 million? No, in fact, we have a plenty. We have firebrand demagogues who can literally incinerate the Paltan and its surroundings, we have supercharged labour leaders who can halt the wheel of economy at will, we have religious leaders who engage in polemics to create division, day in and day out, and, above all, we have a plethora of political leaders who have over the years proven themselves as nothing more than "self - motivated, self-seekers". Leadership of charisma - that, much talked about but little understood phenomenon. I personally think that the days of firebrand, single personality on cult based leadership is a thing of the past. The democratic set up of a modern state needs a dynamic, functional, collective, corporate and pluralistic leadership. Such leadership must be composed of individuals having integrity, strength of character, creativity and a deep sense of commitment and purpose.
Apart from that classical trait of rousing and motivating the masses outdoor, today's leaders must possess Board Room mentality and quality to be able to plan, effectively organise and efficiently administer the complex business called; 'the Government' for the betterment of the country and its citizens.
It is easier said than done. But let us not lose hope. We have business leaders some of whom, with their almost single-minded devotion and single-handed operation, have not only organised and developed the manufacturing industry but have also taken the export potentials of this country to competitive and enviable heights in the international market. We have personalities who have demonstrated outstanding qualities in conceiving, organising and running world class organisations which are operating beyond the boundaries of Bangladesh. We have a Nobel Laureate whose revolutionary vision and pragmatic programmes have changed the lives of millions of poor and downtrodden. Professor Yunus kindled some ray of hope in those dark days, but a short lived one! Frankly speaking, his decision to launch a political platform was hasty and to withdraw was quicker! Reasons for such frustrations are understable. He might have received many a standing
ovation and wise advice, but neither the active support nor the unqualified commitment from the "fence sitters". The educated, the enlightened and the elite abhor things called politics. Most think that politics is a dirty game and ought to be played by the bad guys alone. Such being the notion, how can we expect quality leadership and responsible governance?
These are the days of reforms. We need reforms in governance, the judiciary, the political parties and in the electoral system. But foremost, we need to reform our own thinking, both as individuals and as a nation. Inheriting an economy battered by unbridled corruption and beset with spiralling prices, the present caretaker government has its handful. Unfortunately, to make matters worse, Mother Nature seems to be unkind too. But there is a silver living . The nation feels as one in these difficult days. And it has been proved once again that in its arduous journey to move ahead Bangladesh is not without friends, big and small, far and near. We need to garner that friendship and channelise the national unity for greater good, politically and economically. This will be a paradigm shift from the past, a past that took us to the pinnacle of corruption and almost dumped us into the dungeon of failure as a state. Good, effective, collective al beit corporate leadership is the need of the hour.
But the buzz word is patriotism. Although this good, old theme had sometimes been touted as "the last resort of a scoundrel" to describe attempts by rogues to justify their misdeeds, patriotism must also be the last word for the political leadership. Simply put love for the country cannot allow one to steal its resources on have the mindset to hurt, cheat and deprive fellow countrymen.
The writer is a retired Air Commodore