Politics is fundamentally a tool for public welfare, yet in many Third World countries, it has become a stage for blame games.
Leaders often prioritize highlighting past failures of their predecessors instead of addressing pressing issues. This misplaced focus diverts attention from the real challenges facing their nations and hampers progress.
This tendency creates obstacles to development. Groucho Marx once remarked, “Politics is the art of searching for problems, finding them everywhere, and diagnosing their faults.”
While this quip points to a universal tendency in politics, it also underscores the critical need to prioritize solutions over fault-finding.
A closer look at Third World countries reveals that many have endured severe crises since independence. Take Bangladesh, for example: it rose from a devastated economy to build a strong economic foundation.
Over the years, significant strides have been made in rural infrastructure, education, communication systems, and poverty alleviation. These achievements are not the result of a single administration but the cumulative effort of successive governments.
This holds true globally, as political scientist Samuel P. Huntington observed, “Political stability is very important for development.”
Yet political instability persists in many developing nations, sometimes for decades. Leaders who focus excessively on the errors of past administrations risk neglecting their own responsibilities, fostering public disillusionment.
Moreover, opposition parties that excel in criticism often demonstrate a lack of actionable plans when they come to power. This reflects what political theorist Edmund Burke aptly called “a lack of wisdom in leadership.”
True leadership is about learning from mistakes, taking responsibility, and charting a course for the future.
The responsibility for national development doesn’t lie solely with the government. Issues like environmental degradation, such as river pollution, also stem from the actions—or inaction—of ordinary citizens.
Public awareness and community involvement are essential for meaningful progress.
Bangladesh's ongoing development is evidence of what consistent effort can achieve. Nationwide improvements in infrastructure, education, and economic growth suggest that with sustained focus, the country could achieve developed status.
For this to happen, the ruling class must move beyond criticizing the past and take bold steps toward future solutions.
To gain public trust, leaders must prove that their politics are driven by the welfare of the people, not by a desire for criticism.
Success lies in addressing problems effectively, as political scientist Woodrow Wilson noted: “Politics is the art of working for the people.” By embracing this principle, leaders can ensure lasting progress and earn the respect of the citizens they serve.
