Taifur Rahman : One of the defining traits of people in the pre-Islamic Jahiliyyah era was their extreme tribal and kinship bias. This social disease was so deeply rooted that if a member of their tribe committed a wrong, others would blindly defend him without question. Take the example of the Basus War, which claimed around 70,000 lives and lasted 40 years. All happened because of a trivial incident. Kaleb, a man from the Banu Bakr tribe, forbade others from grazing their animals in his pasture. Unaware of this, Hassam from the rival Banu Taghlib tribe allowed his camel to graze there. The pasture’s guardian injured the camel in retaliation, and soon both tribes rallied behind their men. What began as a small quarrel escalated into decades of destruction and bloodshed until mediation finally ended the war.

Dear readers, this is how blind tribal loyalty infected people of that era. Instead of seeking truth and justice, they allowed emotion and allegiance to dictate their actions. But are we really free from this disease today? Consider a modern example. You see your cousin in a fight and, without knowing the reason, rush to defend him. You never stop to ask what happened. This instinctive reaction mirrors the same blind loyalty of Jahiliyyah. Whether in politics, sports, or community disputes, such behavior fuels unnecessary conflict and division.

We see this often: a minor quarrel between supporters of rival football or cricket teams spirals into a violent clash. People attack one another with sticks or rods — sometimes fatally — over trivial provocations. Injustice occurs simply because someone belongs to “our side.” This is nothing but modern-day tribalism. The same mentality infects professional life. A qualified person may fail to get a job because he lacks connections, while a less competent candidate secures the position through family or political ties. In many institutions, recruitment and promotion are mere formalities — results are predetermined. This is nepotism, depriving society of competent people and rewarding mediocrity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned of such a time, saying: “When positions of trust are given to those unqualified, await the Hour.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Our justice system is not immune either. When the accused is related to someone influential, justice often bends in their favor. The poor are denied fair trials, while the powerful walk free. The Prophet (peace be upon him) condemned this double standard, saying: “Those before you were destroyed because they punished the poor for theft but let the rich go free. By Allah, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would cut off her hand.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) Sadly, these same ills — nepotism, tribalism, and partisan loyalty — plague modern societies, including Bangladesh. These loyalties often outweigh our commitment to truth, justice, and national progress.

In Bangladesh, nepotism and partisan loyalty remain major barriers to good governance and development. Nepotism — favoring relatives, loyalists, or close associates — undermines meritocracy and public trust. Reports show that key appointments in government, academia, and administration are often influenced by political or personal ties rather than ability. This leads to inefficiency, corruption, and frustration among qualified young professionals. Partisan loyalty compounds the problem. In many cases, political allegiance determines recruitment, promotion, and access to opportunities. Civil servants, educators, and local officials are sometimes chosen not for their skills but for their loyalty to a ruling party. This practice discourages honest professionals and weakens institutional independence. Recent surveys reveal that most Bangladeshi youth see nepotism and political favoritism as major barriers to employment and social mobility. Over 60% report losing faith in public institutions due to corruption and favoritism. When people believe success depends on “who you know” rather than “what you know,” social trust and motivation decline.

The consequences are serious and far-reaching: Corruption flourishes when unqualified individuals misuse power for personal or political gain. Social inequality deepens, as opportunities are denied to deserving citizens. Democracy weakens, because political allegiance replaces accountability and justice. Such practices also breed frustration among educated youth, many of whom seek opportunities abroad. The resulting “brain drain” deprives Bangladesh of its most capable minds — people who could otherwise contribute to national development.

To overcome these challenges, Bangladesh needs both institutional reform and cultural transformation. Merit-based recruitment must be ensured in both public and private sectors. Examinations, interviews, and promotions should be transparent and audited to prevent favoritism. Accountability and oversight should be strengthened through independent commissions and digital governance systems that reduce human interference. Anti-corruption laws must be enforced impartially, regardless of party or position. Civic education should promote integrity, fairness, and respect for merit, starting from schools and universities. Media and civil society must continue to expose favoritism and hold institutions accountable.

If these measures are implemented sincerely, Bangladesh can foster a governance culture that rewards merit, ensures justice, and builds citizens’ trust in public institutions. This transformation is essential for sustaining democratic values and achieving the goals of Vision 2041 — a prosperous and equitable Bangladesh. Allah commands in the Qur’an: “Let not the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is aware of what you do.” (Al-Ma’idah, 5:8) May Allah protect us from the disease of blind loyalty and grant us the courage to uphold justice — even against our own interests. Overcoming nepotism and partisan loyalty is not merely a moral duty but a national necessity. Only by embracing fairness, competence, and integrity can Bangladesh reach its full potential as a just, democratic, and prosperous nation.

Writter: Taifur Rahman
Banker & Columnist
Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC