Can Bangladesh find its moral moorings?

Some questions that haunt our citizens are: why is the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) not getting an independent status? The bewildering escalation of corruption in recent times made one wonder whether there was any hope for the country to find its moral moorings again. What is going on in this country? These words should be taken seriously by our politicians, policymakers, investigating agencies, and the common man. The government's attitude towards fulfilling its constitutional obligations appears to have raised a question on the viability of democracy to tackle the mess created by the political system. When the legislature and the executive branches are vibrant and proactive, there is no need for judicial intervention. The spate of judicial interventions, indictments and admonishments gives the impression that the government will act only if directed by the judiciary to do so. So cynical has the public become about the impartiality and seriousness with which corruption cases against the rich and the powerful are probed, that hardly an eyebrow is raised when the judiciary starts actively monitoring the investigation in such cases. Over the last two years, the higher courts have assumed a supervisory role in the executives' functions, asking those respective departments to act against persons who think themselves to be above the law and demanding to see the charge sheet before it is filed. In an ideal world, the judiciary would stick to interpreting the law and refrain from treading on the domain of the legislature or the executive branch of government. But in an environment where justice is constantly being subverted, it is arguable that the courts are left with no choice but to step beyond their traditional domain and prod the executive branch into discharging its constitutional responsibilities. The higher courts thankfully stepped in. The media too played a proactive role, virtually working in tandem with the judiciary. I believe that only one thing can save this country - selfless approach by the common citizen and our independent media. They should educate our fellow countrymen to become more politically active. Too many people expect wonders from democracy, when the most wonderful thing of all is just having it. We must not indulge in unfavourable views of mankind, since by doing it, we make bad men believe they are no worse than others, and we teach the good that they are good in vain. The problem with most people is that they think with their hopes or fears or wishes rather than their minds. The writer based in Canada can be reached at e-mail: gopalsengupta@aol.com