JBS Vol 14. Num 2. 2012 - Conditions for a ‘Third Force’ in the Prevailing Political Reality in Bangladesh

This paper examines the confluence of varied conditions that can serve the greater interests of Bangladesh. Such conditions, resulting from actions or inactions of political actors, are collectively defined as the “Third Force.” Using a comparative approach a critical analysis is attempted to probe where the third force conditions could make a significant difference in the quality of life. The narrative has been framed with four anchors -- justice, freedom, security and leadership -- and focuses on selected institutions, namely “accountability”, “democratizing”, “empowerment” and “checks and balances” for operational viability of the anchors. Special emphasis has been placed on mass mobilization vehicles for political development, such as socio-politico-cultural applications of the internet, NGOs and public-private forums. The paper highlights ten examples political leaders could address in a pre-election all-party conference on radio, TV and other electronic media to help clarify the relationships between their party goals and what they see as shared national goals. It could also serve as critical confidence-building and consensus-building measures, needed desperately for poverty alleviation through an accelerated pace of development.