Editorial
Sheikh Hasina's positive comments
Time for qualitative change has arrived
We are heartened by the content and tenor of Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina's comments at her post-election press briefing on Wednesday. She has sounded some specific positive signals. The victorious AL leader has offered the position of deputy speaker of the Jatiyo Sangsad and the chairmanship of some parliamentary standing committees to the opposition. While these are certainly signs of a fresh new beginning toward making Parliament functional, Sheikh Hasina could go a step better by proposing that the Speaker of the JS, once he or she is chosen, should resign from the political party he or she belongs to as a first, significant sign of the neutrality demanded of such a key position. Indeed, the idea was part of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party manifesto and if it is accepted by the Awami League, it will serve as a good signal to the opposition about the sincerity of the ruling party. Elevating the position of the Leader of the Opposition right after that of the Leader of the House will be another positive gesture to the opposition.
The prime minister-elect has spoken of a qualitative change in the political culture which we think is highly imperative against the backdrop of our distorted political behavioral patterns. It is a commitment which resonates with the people, who will surely watch how the government follows through on the pledge as well. Sheikh Hasina has, happily for us, reassured the country, as a first step in the direction to which she means to take Bangladesh, by asking her supporters in the post-election euphoria to desist from any action that might mar the celebratory mood of the country. We think that to that should be added her clear, assertive message, to the law enforcing agencies as well as her party workers, that wherever sporadic incidents of violence occur swift action must be taken against those responsible.
Apart from the political moves the new government plans to make, there are the everyday issues that call for urgent attention. Most important is tackling the unbridled prices of essential goods. A clear strategy against man-made interventions, including syndication of the market, must be devised and implemented quickly. Such a move must of course be accompanied by a close watch on the interplay of demand and supply allowing for interventions for market correction. A coordinated programme of import, procurement and supply should be in place, and in good time. Next comes the matter of a decisive plan on energy generation that the incoming government stands committed to.
The days and weeks ahead will be crucial for the new government. Its early moves will indicate the tenor of its governance. For that reason alone, Sheikh Hasina and her team must get down to the business of concretising the positions they enunciated during the election campaign. We need not emphasise the fact that the new government will have to hit the ground running.
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