A person supports one side because it aligns with their self-interest. Another opposes that side, as their own interests lie elsewhere. But aligning interests and discovering truth—these are not the same. That’s why a third person rises above self-interest, refraining from blindly supporting either side. Instead, they take what is good from both, with the greater goal of serving the country and its people.
In the context of Bangladesh, the position of this third individual is often the most precarious. They are frequently treated as a public enemy. Speaking neutrally is nearly impossible. If you take a side, it must be with complete allegiance—otherwise, you stand alone. When partisan identity overshadows personal integrity, truth becomes a casualty. And in such a society, intellectual rigidity is ironically seen as a mark of wisdom and safety.
Both the first and the second person mold the truth to serve their advantage. The one who seeks to avoid partisanship finds their space increasingly restricted. In reality, both the “good” and the “bad” sides hold a mix of virtues and flaws. If people stopped chasing personal gain and instead adopted the best from both perspectives while rejecting the worst, society would transform—and the nation would already be on a better path. When personal interests trump collective well-being, and party agendas override national progress, we risk losing sight of what truly matters.
The belief that “You must pick a side” drives us astray. The mindset of “If you’re not with me, you must be against me” has set us back generations in our journey toward a humane society. It’s natural to agree with the positive aspects of a political party, but criticism must also be permitted. Instead, even a single dissenting voice invites labeling. Article 70 of our Constitution itself becomes a roadblock to independent thought—it stands as clear evidence of curtailed freedom. Political “tagging” has become a weapon to silence opposing views—truth is often blocked with accusations like, “You must be one of them.”
The old line from a Bengali film—“If you’re not with me, you can’t be with anyone”—seems to have been adopted as national policy. The ability to rise above vested interests and honor truth is fading fast. Expressing a dissenting opinion now feels like a punishable offense. We justify everything through the power of the “mob”—“Look how many supporters we have!”—as though truth depends on numbers.
What becomes of all this? When self-interest dictates our path, we blend truth and falsehood to make it palatable. The contamination creeps into our minds. We must make room for a few to remain neutral. People must be allowed to critique, advise, and express views freely. From within a political party, it’s hard to see the full picture—successes may be visible, but failures often remain hidden.
That’s why criticism should be most welcome. Every person has a unique mind and sense of identity. We must honor that individuality, and uphold mutual respect. Only then can our nation and its people reach the success they dream of. Let us remember: without the growth of the individual, the growth of any party—or country—is ultimately impossible.
