Humanity, Civic Sense & Our Social Responsibility

We see it every day on the streets of Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet: traffic laws being ignored, litter piled up on the sidewalk, and a general lack of consideration for public spaces and fellow citizens. It's easy to blame the government, the city corporation, or "the system." But when do we turn the mirror on ourselves?

The 'Not My Problem' Syndrome

A society's progress is not just measured by its GDP or its infrastructure, but by the civic sense of its people. Civic sense is the unwritten code of conduct that governs our public behavior. It's about respecting shared spaces, following rules not out of fear of punishment but out of a sense of duty, and showing basic courtesy to others. Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, we often suffer from a "not my problem" syndrome. A problem is only a problem when it affects us personally.

Humanity Begins with Small Actions

We don't need grand gestures to show our humanity. It begins with the small, everyday actions:

• Not throwing your empty packet of chips on the street.
• Giving way to an ambulance in traffic.
• Standing in a queue instead of pushing to the front.
• Speaking politely to service workers.
• Helping an elderly person cross the road.

These actions may seem insignificant, but they are the building blocks of a compassionate and functional society. They create a ripple effect, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collective well-being.

Our Social Responsibility as Citizens

Our responsibility does not end with casting a vote every five years. It is an ongoing commitment to contribute positively to our community. This means holding ourselves accountable for our actions, speaking up against injustice, participating in community clean-up drives, and teaching our children the importance of empathy and respect. A "Smart Bangladesh" cannot be built on smart technology alone; it must be built on the foundation of smart, responsible, and humane citizens.

"The change we want to see in the world must begin with ourselves."

Before we point fingers, let's ask ourselves: What did I do for my community today? How did I make a public space better? How did I show consideration for a stranger? The future of our nation depends not just on our leaders, but on the collective character of its 170 million people.