The first 30 days
THE mahajote government has completed a month of its tenure. The national election, no doubt, went smoothly for Sheikh Hasina; but she is facing the challenge now. In forming the cabinet she depended on the young blood in her ranks. It was a big surprise that a band of young ministers, elected for the first time, have been allowed to hold important portfolios. The number of ministers with dubious past has been reduced to a minimum.
For the first time, AL has shown signs of political maturity. The prices of diesel and fertiliser have been reduced for giving impetus to the green revolution. Even in the current global economic downturn the Bangladesh economy appears to have remained buoyant. Prices of essentials such as edible oil, flour, rice, etc. have substantially fallen. With the hope of bumper production of rice and price adjustment of edible oil prices of essentials will go down further.
With regard to the trial of war criminals, the United Nations has been already approached and preparations are afoot for an early start of the trials. As the issue is complex the government, it is understood, is proceeding carefully with it. Bangladesh has also sought US technical assistance in the matter. The response of US appears to be encouraging.
Initially, the new leadership faced a crisis in controlling some disturbing situations in a number of educational institutions. This was subsequently controlled through intervention of the prime minister. Furthermore, due to deterioration of law and order killings and muggings, along with mob violence (particularly by students), increased. This is serious concern for the new government.
Mahajote has started its programs. Much more is to be done. We are alarmed at seeing the return of old gangsters. This needs quick overhauling of police. Perhaps new officers will have to be recruited, and strict neutrality needs to be maintained.
Elimination of corruption is time consuming. he new government should allow the Anti- Corruption Commission to work freely and diligently, with emphasis on institutionalised corruption. It may be pointed out in this regard that it is wrong to assume that the Anti- Corruption Commission performed its job only to destroy politicians and politics in Bangladesh.
There may be errors of judgment by ACC here and there, and there may be corruption among the staff of ACC. This is because the present ACC had to start its work with a large number of corrupt and inefficient employees from the former Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
The work by the ACC has already been commended at home and abroad. With more experience, more trained staff, logistics, and strong support from the highest authorities it will not only be able to build a better image of Bangladesh, its efficiency will also ultimately assist in accelerating the rate of growth of the country.
Though the opposition party has not participated in the parliament fully till now, it is expected that by the start of the next parliamentary session we shall see effective participation of the opposition because the existing small problems will be sorted out soon.
We expect more transparency in government decisions, and more freedom of the media. Furthermore, quick and adequate attention is needed to improve governance. What we actually need at this moment is a smaller but efficient and effective bureaucracy to push forward the governmental policies and make decisions quickly.
A bureaucracy that is sensitive to people's needs and basically democratic in spirit and thought is possible only through close attention and strong commitment by the highest authorities, who should be careful about the integrity, honesty and the neutrality of the bureaucrats.
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