Question

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

Muhammad Yunus is a famous economist of Bangladesh. He received several international honours for his efforts to promote economic and social development for the benefit of the poor. He and the Grameen Bank he started, jointly received the Noble Peace Prize for 2006. In February 2007, he decided to launch a political party and contest in the parliamentary elections. His objective was to foster proper leadership, good governance and build a new Bangladesh. He felt that only a political party different from the traditional ones would bring about new political culture. His party would be democratic from the grassroots level. The launching of the new party, called Nagarik Shakti (Citizens’ Power), has caused a stir among the Bangladeshis. While many welcomed his decisions, some did not like it. “Now I think Bangladesh will have a chance to choose between good and bad and eventually have a good government,” said Shahedul Islam, a government official. “That government, we hope, would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a top priority.” But leaders of traditional political parties who dominated the country’s politics for decades were apprehensive. “There was no debate (over him) winning the Novel, but politics is different, very challenging and often controversial,” said a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Some others were highly critical. They asked why he was rushing into politics. “Is he being planted in politics by mentors from outside the country,” asked one political observer.

1. Do you think Yunus made a right decision to float a new political party?
2. Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people?
3. How do you want this new party organised to make it different from other parties?
4. If you were the one to begin this political party how would you defend it?

Answer 1

1. Yunus made the right decision to create a new political party because, in a democracy, any person has the right to form or join a political party of his choosing. Also, Yunus is a Nobel Peace Prize winner who is well-known in Bangladesh and around the world. He follows his own political ideas. He has set an example by establishing the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. People may support him and help him form a good administration and create the Bangladesh of his dreams.
2. Even though politics is different from other disciplines, Yunus has found success by establishing the Grameen Bank for the benefit of the people. People’s concerns lack meaning. After all, democracy is about the welfare of the people.
3. The new party should be organised democratically. Organisational elections should be held regularly. The party’s activities should be open and transparent. All elements of society, including women and minorities, should get fair representation.
4. I would defend the party’s formation on the grounds that, in a democracy, any citizen has the freedom to join or form his or her preferred political party.