Progga Das

Political instability is the greatest enemy of sustainable development. It is not merely a problem, it is an insidious attack against the very existence of the state. When politics loses its direction, development also goes astray. The state machinery collapses, administration crumbles, and national progress comes to a standstill.

Sustainable development is not an empty slogan; it is the soul of a nation. But if that soul is reduced to ashes in the wildfire of political turmoil, all that remains on the body of development are the charred scars of instability.Political stability is essentially the backbone of sustainable development. It is not an isolated policy but a deeply rooted structure embedded within the economy, society, and governance system on which a nation’s progress depends. For an emerging economy like Bangladesh, political stability is not merely a supporting factor for development; it is a prerequisite. Envisioning development without political stability is like sowing seeds in a desert a visually captivating dream but an absolute void in reality.

In a nation where politics lacks balance, sustainable development remains a mere blueprint on paper, its foundation sinking into the quicksand of instability.Sustainable development means a delicate balance between future possibilities and present progress where the economy, society, and environment walk hand in hand. However, if these three pillars tremble under the earthquake of political instability, development becomes hollow nothing more than a decorative facade. Sustainable development is never an isolated effort focused solely on the economy, society, or environment. Instead, it is a comprehensive framework standing firm on political stability, fostering holistic progress.In the context of Bangladesh, this harsh reality becomes painfully evident. On one side lies the unrest among political parties, the struggle for power, and administrative inefficiency; on the other, there are promises of development. The true cost of political instability can be best understood through its economic impact.

In essence, political instability translates into economic stagnation. When internal conflicts over power persist, the tug-of-war and uncertainty choke industrial activities. Investors lose confidence because they know that investing in an unstable country is like pouring money into a blazing fire. Political unrest essentially strikes at the heart of foreign trade. Long-term plans are crushed, business confidence dwindles, employment opportunities shrink, inflation rises, and economic growth slows down. As a result, the economy stumbles and falls.But it doesn’t end with the economy and the governance system also faces an existential crisis and administrative paralysis. When politics takes control over administration, the latter’s efficiency is crippled. Partisan influence strangles administrative independence.

Law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and the bureaucracy become puppets pulled by invisible strings. Consequently, laws become biased, justice turns into a political weapon, and governance becomes a symbol of shameless loyalty. This state of affairs signals a terrifying rise in social inequality, unchecked injustice, and moral decay.The most alarming issue is the conflict between social values and development. Sustainable development is not merely a story of economic indicators and it is the confluence of justice, transparency, and intergenerational accountability. Political instability mortgages these values to corporate interests or factional agendas.

As a result, instead of genuine progress, the “myth of development” takes root where projects mask resource plundering or environmental destruction under the guise of legality.Political instability also breeds inequality within society. A crisis of trust emerges between citizens, and the bond between the state and its people starts to erode. When the foundation of citizen-state relations weakens under the weight of uncertainty, collective efforts collapse. If this situation persists, the nation will spiral into the abyss of self-destruction.Therefore, ensuring political stability is of utmost importance.

A strong democratic framework is essential to achieve this. Politics must be driven by the interests of the people, fostering an environment where national development plans find common ground among political parties. Even if governments change through elections, the continuity of these plans must be maintained.A policy-driven administration needs to be established. Development projects must operate under an independent administrative structure, free from partisan interests. Even during political transitions, an investment-friendly environment must remain intact.To break free from political turmoil and build strong state relations, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law must be ensured. Research-based planning is vital decisions regarding development must be grounded in rigorous research. Partnerships with universities and research institutions should be forged to accelerate progress.Ultimately, political instability is the most formidable barrier to sustainable development. It is not just a form of violence , it is a process that wounds the soul of the nation. The politics and development processes of Bangladesh are interwoven, and only by merging the two can a new pathfinder be forged.

Development must not remain a mere promise , it must be transformed into visible achievements. Only the union of robust political stability and economic growth will unlock Bangladesh’s true prosperity. Because development becomes sustainable only when politics embraces responsibility, rising above the politics of vengeance to prioritize the interests of the state. Without political stability, development is merely a mirage and an empty promise.Thus, for the sake of the country and the nation, the focus should not be on the destruction of rivals but on the construction of the state. Breaking free from the chains of revenge and moving towards a sustainable future must be the ultimate goal. After all, sustainable development does not belong to any single political party rather it is a matter of national and collective interest.

The writer is a, Student, Department of Economics Eden Mohila College