Why statespersons should be serious about communication | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Monday
May 12, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025
Why statespersons should be serious about communication

Thoughts

Ekram Kabir
17 August, 2024, 04:25 pm
Last modified: 17 August, 2024, 04:28 pm

Related News

  • First commercial train crosses Jamuna Railway Bridge
  • Engine shortage may hit goods train operations during Eid-ul-Fitr 
  • Rail communication with Rajshahi restored after over 4 hours
  • Dense fog may disrupt flights, road, and river communications: BMD
  • People in Chandpur suffer as demand for concrete bridge goes unheeded

Why statespersons should be serious about communication

An arrogant form of communication, among many other factors, contributed to the regime’s downfall. There was no communication strategy in place for the government

Ekram Kabir
17 August, 2024, 04:25 pm
Last modified: 17 August, 2024, 04:28 pm
When Abu Syed was shot at point-blank range, the recent former information minister claimed his actions were drug-induced. Photo: PIB
When Abu Syed was shot at point-blank range, the recent former information minister claimed his actions were drug-induced. Photo: PIB

After the loss of many lives during the students' movement, the recent former information minister claimed that the government and the students were on the same page regarding quota reform. However, he did not state this at the onset of the movement.

This, I believe, was a serious communication flaw for the government, which aimed to convince the people of its intentions. It demonstrated that the government was not willing to sit down with the students and solve the crisis.

Similarly, as the movement unfolded, there was a series of communication failures on the part of the government.

Handling a press conference is one of the vital skills for a statesperson. Unfortunately, what we watched the former prime minister saying was a gross mishandling of a journalist's question during a press conference related to her China visit. She could have either avoided responding to it or provided a more diplomatic answer.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Knowing what not to say is equally essential for a statesperson.

After the loss of six lives, when she decided to appear on TV to deliver a speech to the nation, her choice to wear a black saree was not well received by the students and the public.

When Abu Syed was shot at point-blank range, the information minister claimed his actions were drug-induced. That was a cruel statement to make while many people were dying.

At the same time, many government ministers started talking and commenting in their capacities. This was unnecessary. In a crisis situation, only one or two spokespersons should have communicated with the public.

It is also surprising to see, after the fall, that the son of the former prime minister has been attempting to communicate with the Bangladeshi people through the media of another country. His messages are so out of place that they suggest he has not done his homework and lacks a communication plan.

The regime has fallen, and I believe that an arrogant form of communication, among many other factors, contributed to its downfall. There was no communication strategy in place for that party or, for that matter, the government.

With a new mandate from the revolutionaries, we now have an interim government that will implement deep reforms in almost all sectors and eventually hold a free, fair, and acceptable election.

The task of this interim government is both sensitive and Herculean. The totalitarian nature of Bangladeshi political parties has not disappeared overnight. This government will likely face enormous challenges as it strives to meet the people's expectations. 

After a long period of totalitarian rule, other hungry parties will surely seek to gain power as soon as possible. Additionally, supporters of the fallen regime will find countless faults in whatever the advisers of this government say or do. At the same time, the public's expectations of this group of states persons are sky-high.

As of now, they have complete public trust and confidence. Our interim advisers have shown excellent accountability and transparency, which is part and parcel of the excellent communication skills needed for states persons. 

However, if current events are any indication, they may face several crises. Crisis situations demand a well-thought-out communication strategy.

Since they have so many things to manage, a communication plan is essential. Over the last 53 years, our governments have not mastered the art of communication.

 


Ekram Kabir is a storyteller and a communications professional.
Ekram Kabir is a storyteller and a communications professional.

Ekram Kabir is a storyteller. ekabir@gmail.com.


Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.

 

larger than life / Communication

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Infograph: TBS
    Food, fertilisers, raw materials: NBR plans advance tax on 200 duty-free imports
  • US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, DC, US, February 13, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
    India's diplomatic ambitions tested as Trump pushes for deal on Kashmir
  • Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. File photo: Collected
    ICT case against Hasina: Probe report submission likely today

MOST VIEWED

  • Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus holds a high-level meeting on the country's capital market at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on 11 May 2025. Photo: PID
    Chief adviser orders listing of SOEs, govt-linked MNCs to revitalise stock market
  • World Bank sees favouritism in digital bank licensing in Bangladesh
    World Bank sees favouritism in digital bank licensing in Bangladesh
  • Bangladesh Bank. File Photo: Collected
    Govt can now temporarily take over any bank, NBFI
  • US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet at the White House in Washington, US, February 4, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
    Trump cuts ties with Netanyahu over manipulation concerns: Israeli media
  • Solar power project in Chattogram. Photo: TBS
    Govt's 5,238MW grid-tied solar push faces tepid response from investors
  • File Photo: US Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks at the American Dynamism Summit in Washington, DC, US, March 18, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo
    Vance called Modi to encourage ceasefire talks after receiving 'alarming intelligence:' CNN

Related News

  • First commercial train crosses Jamuna Railway Bridge
  • Engine shortage may hit goods train operations during Eid-ul-Fitr 
  • Rail communication with Rajshahi restored after over 4 hours
  • Dense fog may disrupt flights, road, and river communications: BMD
  • People in Chandpur suffer as demand for concrete bridge goes unheeded

Features

Photo: Courtesy

No drill, no fuss: Srijani’s Smart Fit Lampshades for any space

19h | Brands
Photo: Collected

Bathroom glow-up: 5 easy ways to upgrade your washroom aesthetic

19h | Brands
The design language of the fourth generation Velfire is more mature than the rather angular, maximalist approach of the last generation. PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

2025 Toyota Vellfire: The Japanese land yacht

1d | Wheels
Kadambari Exclusive by Razbi’s summer shari collection features fabrics like Handloomed Cotton, Andi Cotton, Adi Cotton, Muslin and Pure Silk.

Cooling threads, cultural roots: Sharis for a softer summer

2d | Mode

More Videos from TBS

How Trump's love of maps has shaken up geopolitics

How Trump's love of maps has shaken up geopolitics

10h | Others
What can be done to restore investor confidence in the capital market?

What can be done to restore investor confidence in the capital market?

11h | Podcast
How important is dignity diplomacy in the US-China trade war?

How important is dignity diplomacy in the US-China trade war?

12h | Others
News of The Day, 11 MAY 2025

News of The Day, 11 MAY 2025

13h | TBS News of the day
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net