1/11--A turning point for Bangladesh
Saturday, 5 January 2008
Nadeem Qadir
WE all seek a democratic system and democratic rule, and we hope we will return to one after this year's national elections.
But what we do not want is the politics that divides the nation and destroys national wealth. We do not want a politics that breeds corruption and crime. We do not want leaders who only give lip-service, but do not deliver. As a son of a 1971 Independence War martyr and of a mother who sacrificed her life struggling as long as she lived to give something to this country by bringing up her children, I really look forward to a proud Bangladesh.
After days of political uncertainty and turmoil, the military-backed, government of Chief Advisor Dr. Fakruddin Ahmed took charge to steer the nation out of chaos and restore democracy through ballot.
This government has had popular backing from all walks of life, including the media.
Let me recall one incident. I was euphoric when I broke the news to the world that President Hussain Muhammad Ershad has decided to resign (REF: The Fall of Ershad as covered by BBC and Other Foreign Media, Mowla Brothers, 1992, Pages 126-128). I never really saw REAL democracy since my birth and looked forward to a democratic government. I was again euphoric after the 1991 elections were smoothly held amid opposition charges of rigging. We knew that it was nothing new. The loser always complains against peoples verdict.
Thus began the real democracy in 1991. But what we saw in the next 15 years amid some good work, was a nation divided into partisan lines which eventually affected all the institutions and led to the turbulent days of 2006 and early January 2007.
Those days reminded us of mindless politics and portrayed the nation as a savage one in the eyes of the world. Gun shots were fired, bombs exploded and people were beaten to death with encouragement from respective sides by those away from being hurt. The nation came to a standstill and the economy started to show signs of strain. Then came 1/11.
I must point out that there is a firm belief that here is a government now which wants to turn around Bangladesh, its image and most importantly its future. It is indeed not a government run by people who have run a nation deep in crisis and in total mess, but we still believe it is trying to deliver its promises. The most notable ones are:
a) The anti-corruption drive;
b) The reform of the election commission;
c) The separation of the judiciary from the executive;
d) Streamlining the power sector for maximum utilisation of minimum resources;
e) Mobilising internal resources by streamlining the tax regime and ensuring utility bills were paid duly;
f) Reorganising the Anti-Corruption Commission and
g) Public Service Commission reforms.
No if we take point by point, then I must say the anti-corruption drive has two-pronged far reaching affect. One, punishment of the once so-called "untouchable powerful people" has set an example that no one can always get away by doing wrong, and secondly, in the future the politicians or government servants will think twice before resorting to graft practices.
The reform of the election commission has so far triggered no major controversy, but one must remember it has to remain credible to all at all times. The judiciary has started to breath freely and only time will say how that freedom affects the country's legal system.
Black outs or commonly called "load shedding" became a hopeless routine. Students were wary and hospitals were in crisis. Despite two major grid problems, the power sector has been able to lessen those periods of "load shedding" by proper utilisation of the available resources.
For a country like Bangladesh, which is dependent on international aid for its annual budget, internal resource mobilisation is must and there is no other choice, The tax regime became alive as well as the utility services in collecting dues from their clients.
Although, I believe in both the cases, where the middle class was more affected, a time until June 2008 should have been given to allow papers to be set right. This was necessary to avoid the fear factor and the pressure on the general people. It was also needed to generate awareness on the issues because for years people have been ignorant on those issues.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has a face with Lt. Gen. Mashud, the former army chief, which gives it all the credibility it needs. It now has the teeth also. One hopes the Commission will be allowed to function independently forever.
One other area, that I would like to touch upon is the media since 1/11. The media, which has been critical of the politicians or the past caretaker government, has given its whole-hearted support to the one led by Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed and backed by the military.
This is indeed a new experience for Bangladesh and policy makers' must treat carefully in whatever they do to keep that support and credibility.
There has been some glitches on the issue of control of prices of consumer goods, the collapse of the infamous "Rangs Bhaban," the failure of several dozen people in eventually performing the Hajj, the wage board for the media, starting the process of those accused of crimes against humanity in 1971 and of course, the quagmire over the exhibition, theft and cancellation of Bangladeshi artefacts in France. The concerned advisor demands kudos for stepping down and thus setting an example of responsibility as well as dignity.
To wind up, I must say that the real challenges lie ahead for the government and the country. The way out is a free, fair, credible and peaceful national election. In a country where even the poorest of the poor, if nothing else understands politics, well, nothing short of a proper balloting will allow us to help achieve our goal -- a proud Bangladesh. Let us not miss this chance to turn Bangladesh around for the better.
Good luck to Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed's military-backed government.
Special PIB feature
WE all seek a democratic system and democratic rule, and we hope we will return to one after this year's national elections.
But what we do not want is the politics that divides the nation and destroys national wealth. We do not want a politics that breeds corruption and crime. We do not want leaders who only give lip-service, but do not deliver. As a son of a 1971 Independence War martyr and of a mother who sacrificed her life struggling as long as she lived to give something to this country by bringing up her children, I really look forward to a proud Bangladesh.
After days of political uncertainty and turmoil, the military-backed, government of Chief Advisor Dr. Fakruddin Ahmed took charge to steer the nation out of chaos and restore democracy through ballot.
This government has had popular backing from all walks of life, including the media.
Let me recall one incident. I was euphoric when I broke the news to the world that President Hussain Muhammad Ershad has decided to resign (REF: The Fall of Ershad as covered by BBC and Other Foreign Media, Mowla Brothers, 1992, Pages 126-128). I never really saw REAL democracy since my birth and looked forward to a democratic government. I was again euphoric after the 1991 elections were smoothly held amid opposition charges of rigging. We knew that it was nothing new. The loser always complains against peoples verdict.
Thus began the real democracy in 1991. But what we saw in the next 15 years amid some good work, was a nation divided into partisan lines which eventually affected all the institutions and led to the turbulent days of 2006 and early January 2007.
Those days reminded us of mindless politics and portrayed the nation as a savage one in the eyes of the world. Gun shots were fired, bombs exploded and people were beaten to death with encouragement from respective sides by those away from being hurt. The nation came to a standstill and the economy started to show signs of strain. Then came 1/11.
I must point out that there is a firm belief that here is a government now which wants to turn around Bangladesh, its image and most importantly its future. It is indeed not a government run by people who have run a nation deep in crisis and in total mess, but we still believe it is trying to deliver its promises. The most notable ones are:
a) The anti-corruption drive;
b) The reform of the election commission;
c) The separation of the judiciary from the executive;
d) Streamlining the power sector for maximum utilisation of minimum resources;
e) Mobilising internal resources by streamlining the tax regime and ensuring utility bills were paid duly;
f) Reorganising the Anti-Corruption Commission and
g) Public Service Commission reforms.
No if we take point by point, then I must say the anti-corruption drive has two-pronged far reaching affect. One, punishment of the once so-called "untouchable powerful people" has set an example that no one can always get away by doing wrong, and secondly, in the future the politicians or government servants will think twice before resorting to graft practices.
The reform of the election commission has so far triggered no major controversy, but one must remember it has to remain credible to all at all times. The judiciary has started to breath freely and only time will say how that freedom affects the country's legal system.
Black outs or commonly called "load shedding" became a hopeless routine. Students were wary and hospitals were in crisis. Despite two major grid problems, the power sector has been able to lessen those periods of "load shedding" by proper utilisation of the available resources.
For a country like Bangladesh, which is dependent on international aid for its annual budget, internal resource mobilisation is must and there is no other choice, The tax regime became alive as well as the utility services in collecting dues from their clients.
Although, I believe in both the cases, where the middle class was more affected, a time until June 2008 should have been given to allow papers to be set right. This was necessary to avoid the fear factor and the pressure on the general people. It was also needed to generate awareness on the issues because for years people have been ignorant on those issues.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has a face with Lt. Gen. Mashud, the former army chief, which gives it all the credibility it needs. It now has the teeth also. One hopes the Commission will be allowed to function independently forever.
One other area, that I would like to touch upon is the media since 1/11. The media, which has been critical of the politicians or the past caretaker government, has given its whole-hearted support to the one led by Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed and backed by the military.
This is indeed a new experience for Bangladesh and policy makers' must treat carefully in whatever they do to keep that support and credibility.
There has been some glitches on the issue of control of prices of consumer goods, the collapse of the infamous "Rangs Bhaban," the failure of several dozen people in eventually performing the Hajj, the wage board for the media, starting the process of those accused of crimes against humanity in 1971 and of course, the quagmire over the exhibition, theft and cancellation of Bangladeshi artefacts in France. The concerned advisor demands kudos for stepping down and thus setting an example of responsibility as well as dignity.
To wind up, I must say that the real challenges lie ahead for the government and the country. The way out is a free, fair, credible and peaceful national election. In a country where even the poorest of the poor, if nothing else understands politics, well, nothing short of a proper balloting will allow us to help achieve our goal -- a proud Bangladesh. Let us not miss this chance to turn Bangladesh around for the better.
Good luck to Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed's military-backed government.
Special PIB feature