Why multiple standards?

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PRIME Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina has called for a probe into the wealth statement of Khaleda Zia, the leader of the opposition. She wondered how Khaleda Zia got so many pieces of precious goods for use in her former cantonment house, though late President Ziaur Rahman was claimed to be honest? We totally agree with the PM but would like to know whether the need for finding out inconsistencies in matters of tax returns of Khaleda Zia, widow of president Ziaur Rahman, and her wealth statements, has arisen only because of her being the leader of the opposition.
Sheikh Hasina mentioned some costly furniture used by Khaleda Zia. We had also seen earlier that during the starvation of 1974, the precious, costly and heavy (in magnitude) ornaments were used during the wedding ceremonies of the sons of the then most powerful man in Bangladesh.
All members of the cabinet were expected to submit their wealth statements, after assumption of office following the last general election. But this has not yet been done. People are really utterly frustrated because of multiple standards that are now being applied for different personalities, depending upon their position in relation to the present political power matrix. Shouldn't the government better concentrate its efforts on doing real welfare-oriented activities to help improve the living conditions of the country's teeming millions?

Merina Hossain
Dhaka
e-mail: mhossaindhk@gmail.com