Social values leave much to be desired

Swiss author and dramatist Friedrich Durrenmatt (1921-1990) once said, 'The problems of all of humanity can only be solved by all of humanity.' Surely, society has become more hostile than ever before with sizeable diminution in morality, ethics and humanity. In Bangladesh, social development should not be overlooked in the interest of economic development. The country is in a dire need of a society where individuals respect and care for each other and social crimes are minimised through a strategic reform for a healthier environment. Since most societies deal with crime and corruption, the question that arises is whether the rate is increasing or decreasing.
Recently, Bangladesh faced an increase in notorious social crimes. For instance, a number of children were tortured to death last year. Children have become more vulnerable to such bestial social crimes. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the number of all reported crimes was 179,199 and 179,835 respectively in 2013 and 2015 with 636 crimes increasing over two years.
Apparently, it is not uncommon to focus on economic development at the expense of social values such as ethics, morality and compassion. Society has become more volatile in terms of unrest and inequality. Individuals fight each another without obvious reasons, often in public places. The poor have become extremely violent due to the lack of basic necessities, social justice, high level of inequality, and the failure to build an inclusive society. Despite economic growth, no significant changes in social life could be drought about. There is a need to revaluate social development since society is not only consisted of money.
Now society is driven by simple monetary incentives forcing individuals consequently to pursue immoral activities. Such 'social gold rush' erodes family values and hence people hardly give time to their families. But money cannot buy happiness. Therefore, individuals should attempt to create a society where mutual respect is valued more than material needs. Unfortunately, Bangladesh requires plenty of time to reach such a goal. Some measures enlisted below may be initiated to transform society:
1. Society should minimise the distance between senior citizens and youths or children. The elderly possess great wisdom and share it with young people. A special day to meet senior citizens (possibly with the alumni) at schools, colleges and universities may be arranged.
2. Social experts have suggested revival of a culture where people crave for knowledge. People should be encouraged to visit libraries more often than not. This is not only for individual needs but for sharing knowledge with others.
3. Society should further engage youths in community development projects and various social works through voluntary involvement. Besides, motivating students to participate in sports and exercises will not only develop the communities but improve juvenile health.
4. Social bonding can be strengthened with the revival of community-based welfare associations where members work together for welfare of their community. Such practices exist in some communities, although not prevalent nowadays.
According to the Social Progress Index (SPI) in 2016, Bangladesh ranked 101st among 133 countries. The SPI has three broad dimensions: 1) Basic human needs, 2) Foundations of welfare and 3) Opportunity. The SPI is a reflection of today's low-level social development. When it comes to Bangladesh's social progress, the country should do more.
Nevertheless, social development cannot be attained simply through voluntary involvement. Since development is a combination of both social and economic features, both are equally vital. Social policies should be taken to make people more humane, united and peaceful. As the young people remain vital to the future progress of Bangladesh, they should be turned into good human beings rather than just  human capital. Often a small change creates a huge impact as people pass down virtues to their successors.
The writer is an independent analyst.
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