Opinion
'No sign of change!'
THESE are some comments on Captain Husain Imam's op-ed piece 'No sign of change!' (DS Oct 21)
Yes, there is a change. Mere victory of AL against corrupt ochlocracy of BNP is a sea change. Defeat of anti-liberation forces of Jamat is also a great change. But is it all that the nation was hoping for?
No there is no change in the political culture in Bangladesh. Instead of din bodol we witnessed sorkar bodol. And who cares about that? Isn't corruption still rampant? Hasn't the "BNP-ochlocracy replaced by the "Awami-ochlocracy?" Isn't it true that the label of "dol" has been replaced by the label of "league?"
Isn't it true that every inept government, when faced with a difficult issue, instead of looking for a solution, tends to blame a grave conspiracy against democracy itself? The former did it. And the present is doing it… This is no change!
Capt Imam has questioned the activities of Prof. Muzaffar Ahmed and Prof. Anu Mohammad. And that is perfectly fine, because you have the right to speak out. Prof. Muzaffar is a very sane voice. He has been demanding public accountability for long. Just like you, he has certain opinions. And Anu Muhammad; well, doesn't he have the right to voice his concern on national issues? This is the very crux of democracy. Didn't beating him up demonstrate the government's moral bankruptcy? Yes, I also despise hartal. I also would like to explore and develop our natural resources. But I am not going to beat an honourable man just because he disagrees on some technical details.
Yes, the noises from the parliamentary committees are refreshing. But the parliament itself is dysfunctional -- thanks to BNP childishness plus Awami lack of magnanimity. Does Captain Imam honestly believe that any MP is going to deliver on promises with the Article 70 of the Constitution intact?
The AL did not revive the upazilla system. AL, during its previous stint, in fact, weakened the upazilla system, and the BNP regime abolished it. The upazilla system was revived by the military-backed government. Contrary to its electioneering promise, AL essentially decapitated the whole concept of local governance by enhancing the power of the local lawmaker.
Underground railway, elevated highway, Padma Bridge, 4-lane Dhaka-Chittagong highway are all great concepts -- but still nascent. Success of the AL government will be judged by the manner they approach and realise those great concepts. If their approach is based on sound planning and if the execution is transparent and free of prevailing corruption, yes, AL government shall deserve every kudo that one can muster. Until then, let's not count that as an Awami success.
Prices of essentials almost always follows the simple economics of supply and demand. Helpful governmental policy is a plus and can affect the price marginally. I shall not measure the success and failure of the AL government on this issue alone. Yes, if they can rein-in their party goons and reduce chanda bazi and toll, it can have a salutary effect on prices of daily essentials.
On the education front, I believe that the government is on the right track. If this education reform goes through, as expected, it will have far reaching effect for years to come. Just trying this, I agree, is a success! And luckily, we do have an education minister who is honest, thoughtful and efficient.
Capt Imam mentioned a number of failures of the AL government at the fag end of his article. Given the relative youth of this government, I shall defer any comment on those. To my mind, the biggest failure of this government is its failure to deliver on its promise for "din bodol."
Parliament still remains dysfunctional. Corruption is still pervasive. And, above all, government of the people and by the people, still remains loyal to a single party. I don't see my desired change.
Mohammad Zaman is a doctor. E-mail: doctorzaman@gmail.com
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