Corporate Politics: Where Skills Matter, But “Bhaiya” Wins

Corporate Politics in Bangladesh: Where Skills Matter, But “Bhaiya” Wins

Let’s not pretend. In a Bangladeshi office, your promotion doesn’t always depend on Excel skills or strategic thinking. Sometimes, it depends on how nicely you say, “Apni cha niben, Bhaiya?”

Corporate politics is everywhere — from the boardroom to the biriyani table. And if you think “I don’t do politics,” just wait till you see someone get promoted for attending all the boss’s kids’ birthdays.

Here’s a humorous take on how corporate politics works in the Bangladeshi context:

1. Work Smart? Better Work the System Too

You could be the most efficient person in the room — hitting targets, staying late, solving problems. But the guy who takes selfies with the MD at every company picnic? He’s moving up faster than your internet on load-shedding backup.

2. The ‘Bhaia Connection’ Is Real

Forget LinkedIn. Real connections are built over tea breaks with “Apnar bari kothay, Bhaiya?”

Once you’re in that ‘bhaia-bonding’ circle, you’ll find doors opening — sometimes literally. You’ll even get the remote for the AC without asking.

3. The Survivor Who Does Nothing

Every office has someone who’s been there “since the Walton monitor days.” No one knows exactly what they do, but they never miss a bonus. They’ve seen three CEOs come and go, and still have the same chair, same desk, and same outdated keyboard.

They’re not lazy — they’re legendary.

4. Office Politics Runs on CC & BCC

You know the war has started when someone adds the boss in CC without warning.

And the real betrayal? Sending a mail where your name is in BCC. That’s how emails in Dhaka turn into office cold wars.

5. “I Avoid Politics” = Nice, But Risky

You may be proud to say, “I just do my job and go home.” But one fine morning, you’ll find out your name’s not on the new organogram.

And when you ask HR, they’ll say, “Ohh… apnar sathe to ekhon-notun-structure ta share kora hoyni mone hocche.”

Bonus: The Tea Stall Talks Have More Power Than Weekly Meetings

Want to know what’s really happening? Forget the official meeting minutes. Just hang around near the building’s front cha dokan at 5:15 PM. That’s where decisions get previewed.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Play Dirty, But Don’t Stay Blind Either

You don’t have to become a full-time “office politician,” but you do need to stay aware. Observe the networks. Build rapport. Smile smartly. And most importantly — don’t ignore the politics while focusing only on the PowerPoint.

Because in corporate Bangladesh, promotions don’t always come from performance. Sometimes, they come from proper “Assalamu Alaikum, Bhaiya.”😄