Bangladesh’s professional bodies are facing increasing division along political lines, sidelining professional standards for political interests. This trend, driven by personal ambitions such as securing leadership roles and exploiting opportunities, often masks itself as party loyalty, a report highlighted. Mahfuz Anam, Editor of The Daily Star, pointed out that professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers, and journalists in Bangladesh are prioritizing party interests over professionalism, leading to a decline in standards.
Highlighting the issue of politicization in public service bodies, Anam emphasized how accountability has shifted from the people to loyalty to the ruling party, hindering modernization and progress. He cited an example from the legal profession where the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) rejected the nomination papers of 42 lawyers out of 90 candidates due to their affiliation with the Awami League, raising questions about transparency and fairness in the election process.
Anam raised concerns over the denial of legal and constitutional rights to the affected lawyers, stressing the need for a thorough examination of the SCBA’s decision. He warned that such actions not only erode public trust in the law and constitution but also have serious implications for the reputation of the government. The situation, according to Anam, calls for a restoration of professionalism in all professions and institutions in Bangladesh to ensure progress and competitiveness.
