Mr. Iajuddin and his advisers

However, without prejudging the ability of the new members of the council of advisers, we cannot help but say that they will take time to gel before they can deliver; and time is not on their side. We would like to emphasise here that the departure of the four advisers were the direct consequence of the way Mr. Iajuddin conducted the affairs of the caretaker government that increasingly marginalised the advisers. Therefore, the efficacy of the new team will depend on how well the chief adviser allows them to operate. They must be convinced that it will not be a one-man show, which regrettably Mr. Iajuddin has turned the caretaker government into, and that was the fundamental issue on which the four were compelled to resign.

It is a matter of concern that Mr. Iajuddin has not been able to distinguish the two posts he is holding. And unless he suppresses his compulsions to act unilaterally we are afraid that there might be more resignations. We are not sure whether Mr. Iajuddin realises either the grave crisis that his go-it-alone policy has thrust the country into. Is he also aware that his actions are perceived as being motivated by the need to keep the interest of the BNP and its alliance partners above everything else?

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Mr. Iajuddin should be aware that his retention of absolute power and working in a dictatorial fashion makes us ridiculous in the international eye, as being nothing more than 'Iazuddin's fiefdom'. He has not only taken up huge responsibilities on his shoulders, he has also made himself the prime focus of the national and international observers. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, he has been utterly unsuccessful in acquitting himself creditably. He must get his acts together if he would not like to be judged harshly by his countrymen now and in the future.

It is essential that Mr. Iajuddin rises above his partisan preferences, works as a team member and takes decisions, as a caretaker head should, collectively, if the chances of holding the forthcoming election as well as our national interest are not to be jeopardized.