Time is fast running out

Moreover, all these came in driblets neutralising the overall impact of the concessions given. To make matters worse, dilly-dally and duplicity in handling the differences triggered an onrush of new issues complicating the whole exercise. It was invariably seen by the 14-party alliance that nothing short of an ultimatum could nudge the caretaker government into action, so the valuable time lost in addressing the pressing issues could be compensated. So far the entire approach from the top seemed characterised by non-transparency and behind-the-scene moves with most people outside the inner circle being kept in the dark, more so ironically the advisers themselves who were at the frontline of negotiating with the 14-party alliance. No wonder, therefore, there is a palpable sense of unreality about the caretaker government's initiatives being out of steps with the situation on the ground.

So here we are 54 days down the line with a set of demands of the 14-party alliance having been met, yet because much water has flowed down the river we find an obvious disconnect between the governmental steps and the alliance's demands.

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Most of the "questionable" people have now left the scene except Modabbir Hossain who must now follow suit. It is highly imperative for the government now to fully implement the package. Secondly, the voter list even after third attempt at updating has many loopholes requiring to be fixed on an absolutely top priority basis.

The focus must necessarily be on the limited time available for the election to make the best use of it by primarily readjusting the election schedule and getting an authentic electoral roll that is truly devoid of fake voters and complete with the inclusion of the newly eligible voters.