Md. Abdullah-Al-Mamun

In any democracy, trust is the glue that binds people and their government. Yet this bond is fragile and relies heavily on one crucial element: transparency. Transparency means that the government operates almost everything in an open and accountable manner. In this regard, decisions and actions are visible and understandable to the people from all walks of life. When people feel they are being kept in the dark, it raises suspicions. Consequently, it leads to frustrations, breading ground of distrust. This crisis of democratic trust, rooted in a perceived lack of transparency. it resonates worldwide, especially in democratic countries like Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, a democratic country, is such a country where people increasingly demand openness from their political leaders, policymakers and the authorities who administer the country. Transparency is outright correlated with democracy. If transparency fails, democracy itself begins to unravel. After that people automatically start questioning the legitimacy of their government. Thomas Jefferson—one of the American founding fathers— correctly stated that “Information is the currency of democracy.” This quote is absolutely spot on. It actually highlights how vital transparency is for a healthy, functioning society. The absence of this “currency” can cripple the public’s confidence in its leaders and institutions. As a result, it creates, will certainly create a gap that grows wider with each unaddressed grievance. Imagine, for instance, a scenario where the government allocates a substantial budget to healthcare improvements; people hear promises of better hospitals, along with improved infrastructure accessible medicines, upgraded emergency services, and other logistic supports. Yet, months later, there is little visible change—hospitals remain overcrowded, and basic medicines are still unavailable in urban, suburban area and particularly in rural areas. People from all walks of life begin to ask: where did the money go? Without clear answers or accessible data on budget spending or with limited responses from the responsible individuals, this gap between promise and reality leads to a sense of betrayal. People feel deceived, as if they are on the outside of a system meant to serve them (like knowing about it is none of your business). This is a fundamental breach of the social contract, which is the mutual agreement between a government and its people based on accountability and transparency. “A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity,” said Dalai Lama. Bangladesh, like many other countries, has experienced moments where a lack of government transparency has created confusion and discontent among people. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, information about the distribution of relief funds and medical resources was often unclear or delayed. It was fueling skepticism and, at times, fear.

This crisis is not only about trust but also about the power dynamics in a society. When information is withheld, it gives an impression of control—control over knowledge and, by extension, control over the people themselves. People may begin to feel helpless, believing that their voices have no impact on decision-making processes. This feeling of powerlessness is dangerous. Because it creates apathy and disengagement. Research has shown that when people feel unheard, they are less likely to participate in civic duties, from voting to community involvement. This disengagement weakens democratic foundations. The great philosopher John Stuart Mill argued, “A people may be unfit for liberty, but to make them fit, they must first desire it.” That means people will only desire liberty and involvement if they believe they have access to the information necessary to make informed decisions and hold their leaders accountable.

When governments lack transparency, misinformation fills the vacuum. In today’s digital world, where information spreads rapidly on social media, this gap becomes even more problematic and will be getting more problematic and complex. When people cannot find accurate information from credible sources, they turn to less reliable ones, often social media platforms (Facebook, unauthorized blogs, YouTube videos) filled with rumors, conspiracy theories, and speculation. In Bangladesh, for example, during election seasons, misinformation about candidates and election processes spreads rapidly since a huge number of people with less computer literacy are using social media and browsing internet. Without a clear, transparent communication from official sources, this misinformation fuels distrust and polarization; therefore, it is leading to a fragmented society where people become divided over half-truths and misunderstandings.

This problem is exacerbated when people feel that the media, which should act as a check on power, is limited or even pressured by the government or by some biased giant companies, non-actors. The role of the media (both print and electronic media) is to shed light on the government’s actions, to ask tough questions, and to ensure transparency. When the media is suppressed, democracy suffers. Automatically, public loses another layer of trust. From this point of view, Walter Cronkite, the legendary American journalist, once remarked, “In seeking truth, you have to get both sides of a story.” However, without a free media, people only see what the government wants them to see, limiting their ability to make informed decisions or to justify.

Public sentiment regarding government transparency can be difficult to measure, but the repercussions of distrust are clear. When people feel disconnected from their government, they start resisting initiatives, oppose policies, and even protest. Statistics shows that in countries where transparency is prioritized, people tend to cooperate more with public policies, understanding their benefits and trusting their government’s intentions. For instance, countries like Sweden and New Zealand rank highly in transparency and enjoy strong democratic trust, largely due to their governments' clear communication practices and open access to information. These governments understand that transparency is not just about making information available; it is about making that information accessible, understandable, and relevant to people’ lives. In contrast, where transparency is low, even well-intentioned policies are met with resistance. Consider how tax policies are implemented. If people feel their taxes are being misused, or if they do not understand how tax money is spent, they are less likely to comply voluntarily. In Bangladesh, similar frustrations arise when people question the effectiveness of government spending. A clearer, more detailed breakdown of budget allocations and spending could alleviate some of these doubts.

So, how can governments improve transparency and, by extension, public trust? First, there must be a shift toward proactive transparency. This is an avenue or step where governments do not wait for people to ask questions but instead regularly provide updates on their activities, spending, and decision-making processes. Transparency is not just reactive but a proactive effort to keep people informed all the way. Inspired by some countries where open data portals have been introduced, providing real-time access to government data on everything from environmental issues to budget spending, Bangladesh may benefit from a similar platform, allowing people to track projects in their communities and see firsthand how resources are being allocated. Additionally, there must be strong policies protecting freedom of the press (a right of UDHR 1948) and ensuring that journalists can investigate and report without fear of repression. A free media serves as a mirror. It reflects the government’s actions to the public. As Nobel laureate and journalist Joseph Pulitzer perfectly said that “Our Republic and its press will rise or fall together.” It means that a free and open press is foundational to transparency and, consequently, to public trust.

What is more, transparency can also be improved through active community engagement. Governments can hold town hall meetings, forums, and public discussions where people are encouraged to ask questions and offer feedback. By involving people in decision-making processes, governments show that they value public opinion, which, in turn, fosters trust. Bangladesh has had positive instances of such engagement, especially in local governance where communities often participate in discussions about development projects and resource allocation. However, expanding this practice on a national level, especially on topics such as public health, economic policies, and social welfare, will significantly improve public sentiment. For transparency to work, it must be embedded into the culture of governance. Leaders must believe in the value of openness and accountability. It is more than ticking boxes or publishing reports; it is about creating a government culture that genuinely respects its people’ right to know.

As we reflect on the current state of government transparency, it’s worth asking ourselves: What kind of democracy do we want for the future? Do we want one where the government and people are partners, where information flows freely, or one where secrecy breeds distrust and discontent? Rebuilding democratic trust requires commitment from both leaders and people. Leaders must commit to transparency, and people must actively seek and support it. Only when transparency becomes a shared value can democracy thrive. In the words of Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating.” Annan’s message is simple but powerful: with transparency, people are not only informed but empowered, capable of participating meaningfully in shaping their societies.

Ultimately, transparency is the foundation of trust, and trust is the foundation of democracy. Without it, we risk a society where suspicion outweighs hope, where people feel isolated rather than connected to their government. Bangladesh, like any democracy, stands at a crossroads. The path of transparency and openness is challenging but essential. It is a journey that must be taken, for a future where people feel truly represented, heard, and valued. When people trust their government, they contribute more, they engage more, and they build a nation together. After all, democracy is not just about leaders making decisions; it’s about the people, each voice counting, each question answered. Transparency allows this vision to become a reality, turning a collection of individuals into a unified, empowered society.

The writer is a, He is a seasoned feature article writer, contributing engaging insights to both national and international news platforms.