Bangladesh remains in a precarious position, managing to avoid last place in various global indices due to Afghanistan’s dire circumstances. Ranking 6th among South Asian nations in the Freedom in the World index, corruption remains a significant issue with a CPI score of 23. The country faces polarized narratives regarding governance and societal direction, emphasizing the need for Bangladesh to aim for real progress rather than merely existing in a relative state of less failure.
Bangladesh’s position is precarious, as fears grow regarding the country becoming another Afghanistan. Over the years, Bangladesh has witnessed a decline in various global rankings, reflecting deep-seated issues in governance, corruption, and civil liberties. However, it can take solace in the fact that its circumstances, though troubling, are preferable to those of Afghanistan, as indicated by several prominent indices. In the Freedom in the World 2024 rankings, Bangladesh holds the 6th position among South Asian countries with a score of 40, classified as ‘partly free’, while Afghanistan languishes in last place with a mere 6 points labeled ‘not free’. In terms of the Rule of Law Index 2024, Bangladesh stands at 127th out of 142 nations, with Afghanistan trailing at 140th, further affirming Bangladesh’s relatively better situation. The Press Freedom Index echoes this sentiment, placing Bangladesh at 165th among 180 countries while Afghanistan ranks 178th, providing Bangladesh with a semblance of superiority. The Trace Bribery Risk Matrix and Corruption Perception Index rankings also showcase this dynamic; Bangladesh ranks 147th out of 194 in bribery and falls to 151st in corruption perception, with Afghanistan at 186th and 165th, respectively.
The Corruption Perception Index for Bangladesh reveals a concerning score of 23 out of 100, the lowest in thirteen years, while Afghanistan’s score of 17 signifies a sharp drop as well. This comparison showcases how Bangladesh, while grappling with significant challenges, is still managing to maintain a slightly better standing than Afghanistan. The country has two polarized narratives regarding Afghanistan. Some argue that Bangladesh is on a troubling trajectory towards Taliban-like governance, while others, including hardline Islamists, appear to desire an Afghanistan-style regime. The current global rankings might provide both factions with their own interpretations of the situation, leading to increased tensions within society.
Furthermore, the general populace stands by, witnessing the gradual decline of national rankings without a clear resolution in sight. The analogy of a student scraping by only due to another’s failure highlights the gravity of Bangladesh’s situation, suggesting that reliance on others’ misfortunes is precarious and unsustainable. Moving forward, it is essential to transcend the notion of simply avoiding the last place based on Afghanistan’s dismal rankings. Rather, a call to action is necessary for Bangladesh to aim for improvements in governance and public welfare, fostering aspirations for higher standards instead of accepting mediocrity. Such an approach could eventually guide Bangladesh toward a more hopeful future.
In conclusion, while Bangladesh has managed to avoid the depths faced by Afghanistan in various global indices, the situation remains alarming. The country is caught in a struggle between contrasting political narratives and faces mounting challenges in governance and corruption. Now is the time for Bangladesh to rise above merely being better than Afghanistan and to strive for genuine progress and improvement in societal conditions. The path forward necessitates a collective effort towards higher standards and rights for all citizens.
Original Source: www.tbsnews.net
