Election 2007: How competent will be the candidates?

In a corrupt society like Bangladesh it is unrealistic to think about clean politics. Corruption is so powerful in Bangladesh that even eminent leaders like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman often considered themselves helpless against corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. President Ershad had enough power and opportunity to reduce corruption drastically. But he decided for peaceful coexistence with an appreciable number of corrupt senior officers who gathered round him as sychophants to obtain favour. Later on, we see that Ershad himself became controversial and was abdicated with a number of charges for corruption.

After the restoration of democracy Khaleda Zia started very well and controlled her ministers with almost iron hand. (They were even not permitted to make any recommendations for people of their own constituencies for any favour). Within three years of her regime (1991-96) she became conversant with various designs and tricks of politics. She apparently converted herself into a politician who must know the limits and limitations of truth, honesty and straight forwardness. Continuous pressure by the then Awami League, perhaps, compelled her to pick up the intricacies of politics quickly. Thus we see somewhat a different Khaleda Zia in the later part of her first term. However, we must not hesitate to state that her first term was far better so far as spread of corruption is concerned.

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Initially Sheikh Hasina also was strict with her party's activists and senior members. However, degeneration among some of her politicians started within a short time of her assumption of office of PM and thus Bangladesh became the most corrupted country. It would not be correct to say that majority of AL candidates who contested in the 8th parliamentary election were honest, straight forward and competent. On the other hand candidates from BNP, though not of better background than the candidates of the AL, had two advantages over their competitors: (a) The performance of the BNP regime (1991-96) was better than that of AL regime of 1973-75; (b) The BNP regime of 1991-96 was considered less corrupt than the regime of Ershad (1982-90). However, the BNP led regime of 2001-2006 has surpassed any regime of Bangladesh in corruption by ministers, politicisation of bureaucracy and a part of lower judiciary.

It has finally been decided by the Election Commission that national election 2007 will be held on 22 January 2007 and 4-party alliance has already started the preparation for the election, though voters' list has not yet been completed and printed. For a free, fair and credible election the parties other than 4-party alliance feel that it is necessary to shift the date of election by one month. This needs issue of an ordinance in consultation with the Supreme Court. Another snag is to send Mr. Zakaria, an Election Commissioner on leave (forced) to accommodate the proposal of AL. Both these have been in the process of consultation among CTG, 4-party and 14-party alliances. Of late it seems that Mr Zakaria may be sent on leave.

We see that a number of seminars are being held to find out ways and means to stop contestants who believe more on the strength of money (black money) and muscle and less on the love and respect of the voters. BNP has already started the process of selecting the candidates for the contest. The high command of BNP finds it difficult to select the candidates. Only time will say as to how much they have been able to satisfy the contestants and their constituencies. Similar problem will have to be faced by the AL though in much lesser magnitude. We do not think that either BNP or AL will bring any change in their criteria for selection.

The image of Jamaat-e-Islami has been tarnished due to JMB activities. However, people consider them as less corrupt and more disciplined. But not beyond perhaps.

As there is no scope for change in selection criteria of the major political parties and as a huge amount of black money has been whitened there is hardly any possibility for induction of better candidates in the contest. However, let us not give up our hope for better days in future. Democracy is going to survive in Bangladesh because during the last thirty-five years (1971-2006) and particularly during the last 15 years (1991-2006) the common people of Bangladesh have changed a lot (due to activities of NGOs and ever widening media coverage).

They have become more mature, less gullible and more critical about politicians. Thus days are not far when truly honest, sincere, dedicated and competent contestants may be able to overcome the present hurdles with the support of the more educated and knowledgeable common people. And then the dreams of our Freedom Fighters to establish peace and prosperity will certainly be realised.

ABMS Zahur is a former Joint Secretary.