Crystal ball gazing into 2009

Md ShahiduzzamanbrBANGLADESH today can be compared to a traveller standing at the cross roads. One road may take it to the cherished destination. The other could derail it. A year is about to end and a new one beckons. brEveryone is keeping his or her fingers crossed. The coming year could be fateful for Bangladesh in many ways. The challenge is whether Bangladesh proves its maturity as a nation after holding the much awaited credible national elections by the end of 2008 to begin in 2009 a new journey of optimism or it allows events to snowball into chaos frustrating the country's prospects for progress and economic development.brThe second caretaker government took over in January, last year, generating optimism among many. The new administration seemed to be just what the doctor had prescribed. It seemed to possess a clear vision of what exactly the country needed. But gradually it appeared to be slipping towards the edge of the precipice and reflected a lack of resolve to carry out the tasks it had set for itself. Nearly two years down the road the optimism is on the decline. brPeople in general felt encouraged, at the outset by the activities of the new government. But no more. They cannot hold their confidence any more for what they perceive as the swelling list of its failure to address the issues. Their concern caused by unabated price spiral has never been greater. People have questions about non-performance of this government in carrying out the tasks it had given itself. Its handling of corruption is giving mixed signal. The beginning was good but the net was spread far too wide in a short time. Instead of addressing this serious problem as one of process, the government, as the developments do now clearly show, has sought to make it an event. Then again, the relevant agencies failed to frame charges, begin the prosecution and make progress on judicial proceedings in accordance with the expected time-frame, against the corruption-suspects. The concerned agency of the government defused its attention on too many persons and on petty irregularities or crimes, if you prefer to call them so, without prioritising actions against 'big fries' in a focused way. brThe state of the economy is no better than it had been under the elected government. The 'misdirected' anti-corruption drive and other ill-conceived operations scared the businesses in general making them inactive without achieving the objective. Business activities and investment operations as a whole shrank. Incomes dropped, unemployment increased.brThe remarks and utterances of some of the advisers of the caretaker government have also added to the confusion. The actions of the government are interpreted as compromises. The government functionaries had to admit that their handling of business operators required a rethink. While such confessions raised hopes in business circles, they were not followed up promptly and comprehensively with corrective actions, which could restore business confidence. Wavering policies and actions only led to the uncertain business climate with negative consequences for the economy.brTough action of the government to restore law and order was generally well received. But the government lost much of its credibility because of its inconsistent and contradictory actions. Now it is back-pedaling in many areas.