By S. Sultan

Bangladesh is a Muslim majority state like Pakistan. The ups and downs are always the part of any entity existing in this contemporary world. But to remain persistent with the beliefs and ideology is the real challenge which leads to the real success. Bangladesh, since its emergence on the map of the world as “the People's Republic of Bangladesh”, has undergone many changes and these changes has led Bangladesh either to developmental stages or descend from developmental changes. Sheikh Mujeeb Ur Rehman, who is also called as the father of nation in Bangladesh, pushed Bangladesh right after its existence from devastating phase to regenerating and rebuilding phase. Bangabandu never compromised on religious policies and democratic values and further he declared Islamic policies as a way of progress and development. Moreover, under his leadership, Bangladesh started its initial period of development. Democracy, Socialism, Nationalism and Secularism are the four key principles which were set by Sheikh Mujeeb Ur Rehman when the constitution of Bangladesh was adopted by the parliament in November 1972, within a year of independence. These principles were never compromised by Bangabandu and hence Bangladesh found a way to light up and survive.

Bangabandu’s policies were kept alive and promoted throughout the Bangladesh after his death by the well wishers and loyal leaders of the state. Hence Bangladesh kept on progressing under the set principles and norms. Under the leadership of Bugum Khaelda Zia, Bangladesh who has become the leader of Bangladesh as prime minister and worked on bangabandu’s polices set for Bangladesh. Begum khaleda zia, being first female prime minister of Bangladesh struggled hard for uniting nation and rectifying mistakes which were devastating. Furthermore, she promoted Islamization and democracy in the state and always remained a hurdle between external calamities and state. Moreover, she is particularly remembered for her role in making education accessible and introducing some key economic reforms. When Begum Khaleda Zia became prime minister for the third time, the GDP growth rate of Bangladesh remained above 6 percent. The Bangladesh per capita national income rose to 482 dollars. Foreign exchange reserve of Bangladesh had crossed 3 billion dollars from the previous 1 billion dollars. The foreign direct investments of Bangladesh had risen to 2.5 billion dollars. The industrial sector of the GDP had exceeded 17 percent at the end of Zia's office. But unfortunately she has to face certain hurdles and difficulties and sent to jail in corruption case alleged by opposition AL as she declined from the power.

After the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia’s government, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, daughter of sheikh Mujeeb Ur Rehman held the responsibilities to govern the state as prime minister. Initially she took a good start and promised Bangladesh to bring certain reforms in the state. She brought economic liberalization in the state. Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh went through the stage of modernization and westernization. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, directed state into a new way and new version. Although she has made Bangladesh technologically advanced and did not care much about the principles of the state of the Bangladesh set by her father Sheikh Mujeeb Ur Rehman. Moreover, under her leadership Bangladesh established the friendliest relations with India and other developed states to bring economic reforms. She has also signed seven MoUs with India including the Padma Bridge, one of the largest projects in Bangladesh which cost around $3.6 billion, despite an earlier estimate in 2007 that it would cost 1.16 billion. In addition to this, Bangladesh paid $12.65 billion for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, although the exact cost of the project won't be known until it is completely functioning and the Dhaka City Metro Rail Project ended up costing $3.3 billion even though the actual estimates were only $2.1 billion.

Furthermore, autocratic policies of incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unconsciously throw the state of Bangladesh into serious crises. The loans taken by the government for the time being look charming but I coming future it is going to create serious problem for the state and specially for the next coming government. Moreover, the modernization in the state has demolished the democratic values which were seen clearly during the elections of 2014 and 2018. The declaration of Islamic parties and scholars as a militant and throwing them into jails and out of the state without verification has again proven as devastating step for the state’s policy. Moreover, the pro-Indian factor of the current government in Bangladesh has made the credibility of government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fragile as many of the scholars and policy makers contradicted this variety of governance. As Bangladesh is a majority Muslim state so it can never under estimate and compromise the values and teachings of Islam.

The elections in 2023 in Bangladesh have now become a very serious concern for the people of Bangladesh and the spectators outside. It is expected that there will be for sure, many changes right after the elections ib Bangladesh which could be proven as fate changer or devastating as well.