White paper on economic reforms and election manifestos: A look from Gen-Z's perspective
Arju Afrin Kathy | Source : Daily Observer, 19 January 2025
As a part of Gen Z, discussions about political change and significant shifts often make us feel uncomfortable because we have never experienced truly participatory or competitive politics. It was not until I enrolled in a Politics and Development course at university that I was introduced to terms like "Feckless Pluralism," "Iron Triangle," and "Patrimonialism."
These concepts provided me with a framework to understand the situation in Bangladesh. Having witnessed the July-August revolution that led to the fall of an autocrat, our generation bears the burden of immense risks-risks that could persist for a lifetime if democracy is not restored. We are a generation that has never had the opportunity to vote or choose a government. Our only aspiration from the Interim Government is straightforward: we seek a participatory, inclusive, fully-fledged, free, and fair election.
As Bangladesh approaches its next elections, a crucial question arises for Gen-Z: how do we decide which party to vote for? We have grown up in a political landscape characterized by limited engagement and a fragmented understanding of various ideologies. For many of us, the political manifestos presented by the competing parties will likely be the deciding factor. However, we are increasingly disillusioned by the repetitive and hollow rhetoric from the major political players. These approaches feel outdated and disconnected from the realities we face. What we truly seek are practical, evidence-based solutions-policies that are inclusive, context-specific, and, most importantly, focused on the needs of the people.
Unemployment, especially among graduates, lies at the heart of our frustrations. It is a stark reality that continues to stifle our potential, yet the interim government has failed to provide any meaningful solutions to this urgent issue. Despite this, we remain cautiously hopeful, giving the current administration the benefit of the doubt in trusting that it will ensure a fair election and create space for a new government to address the nation's challenges. However, as a part of Gen-Z globally, our faith in political change has been severely tested. History has shown us that movements like the Color Revolutions and the Jasmine Revolution, which once promised democracy, freedom, and economic prosperity, often fell short of delivering on those hopes.
The White Paper titled "The White Paper on the State of the Bangladesh Economy: Dissecting a Development Narrative" is a transparent and data-driven assessment of Bangladesh's economy and governance, organized into 23 chapters that cover themes such as Macroeconomics, Social Dimensions, and Policy Outlook.
As a new voter, I eagerly await election manifestos that address the urgent issue of 'jobless growth,' particularly highlighted in the White Paper. Unemployment among tertiary-educated youth has surged from 9.7% in 2013 to 27.8% in 2022, illustrating a critical misalignment between education and employment. The paper points to labor market inefficiencies and policy inertia as major barriers to inclusive growth. While recent growth in Bangladesh has been driven by labor-intensive sectors like garment manufacturing, this model has not translated into high-quality, skill-based employment.
Alarmingly, nearly 48% of National University graduates remain unemployed, and enrollment in STEM fields is critically low. Furthermore, 85% of jobs are in the informal sector. The education budget often reflects misplaced priorities, emphasizing infrastructure development over quality education outcomes.
The White Paper highlights the essential role of quality healthcare in restoring public trust and addressing systemic inequality. Poor governance and inadequate public services, particularly in the health sector, have long diminished confidence in our institutions. The post-COVID reality has exposed the fragility of our healthcare system, which is once again struggling for survival in the ICU.
Bangladesh's political history is filled with lofty slogans, from the Awami League's "Din Bodoler Bangladesh" to the BNP's "Desh Bachao, Manush Bachao," each promising transformative change. More recent slogans like "Digital Bangladesh" and "Smart Bangladesh" claim to align with the nation's aspirations for modernization. However, for many of us in Gen-Z, these slogans have proven to be empty, failing to deliver on their promises and leaving critical issues unaddressed. Take "Digital Bangladesh," for example.
The White Paper appropriately critiques this trend, urging political parties to move beyond empty rhetoric and concentrate on actionable policies that address the nation's pressing needs. Expanding digital literacy, ensuring equitable access to technology, and bridging the digital divide are urgent priorities. Without concrete plans, these slogans remain mere marketing tools, disconnected from the realities faced by marginalized communities. As a generation that values substance over slogans, Gen-Z is unlikely to be swayed by rhetorical flourishes. Instead, we demand practical solutions that genuinely transform lives.
The paper also reveals the alarming extent of economic disparity in Bangladesh, where the top 10% control 1.5 times more wealth than the rest of the population combined. Drawing on Rawls' principle of justice as fairness, it underscores the urgency of addressing these inequities to create a more inclusive society. Additionally, it highlights how weak governance and low tax compliance undermine the social contract, echoing Stiglitz's warning about the corrosive effects of inequality. The paper calls for comprehensive fiscal reforms to rebuild trust, ensure fair wealth distribution, and pave the way for sustainable and equitable development.
Moreover, the paper points out that public spending in Bangladesh has been disproportionately directed toward incentivized infrastructure projects, often designed to benefit party loyalists, while neglecting crucial sectors like healthcare and education-both essential for sustainable development. This issue is further exacerbated by the "last quarter syndrome," where budgets are hastily spent in the final months of the fiscal year, leading to inefficiencies and undermining the long-term impact of public investments. Redirecting resources toward these overlooked areas is crucial for fostering equity and social progress.
Lastly, the paper highlights the erosion of democratic freedoms. The Digital Security Act (DSA) has been used as a tool to stifle dissent, while politically motivated licensing undermines media autonomy. Additionally, the ineffective Right to Information Act further diminishes transparency, creating a climate of fear and limiting open dialogue. These systemic challenges hinder informed decision-making and weaken democratic norms.
To move forward, Bangladesh must prioritize equitable development, democratic freedoms, and accountable governance to build an inclusive and resilient society. My generation will vote for a party that presents a clear and actionable plan to uphold the rule of law rather than one that allows politicians to misuse the law for resource extraction and exploitation.