It Is with both a sense of challenge and a feeling of humility that The Dally Star today takes . its place on the media scene in Bangladesh, with an overriding commitment that cuts across all other considerations: to serve the nation as a truly Independent newspaper. By a propitious coincidence, the paper makes its debut at a historic time when, with the fall of an authoritarian regime, the country is well-set to begin a new Journey towards establishing a democratic system ol government, which has eluded this troubled nation so long but which we cannot do without. For The Dally Star, it is a privilege to be part of this changing scene. But with this privilege comes an enormous responsibility which we share with the rest of the press in Bangladesh. In immediate terms, our responsibility is to serve as a watchdog in ensuring that the process leading to the holding of a free and fair parliamentary election next month and to the setting up of a truly representative sovereign assembly is no’t derailed either by thoughtless utterances or actions of political parties or by forces which, for reasons of their own. remain hostile to the concept of a democratic way of life. This immediate responsibility will be later Integrated into our larger and a more long-term role of strengthening public opinion on how the democratic system that, hopefully, will be in place by early March can be sustained and strengthened. Here, we should be able to Impress upon our politicians that no matter how they guide the destiny of the nation, in the political sense, the ultimate test of the system will be in the way the elected government revitalises our economy so that it is able to meet the basic needs of our people. In short, unless the impoverished millions in rural Bangladesh get a fair deal, in terms of shelter, food, education and medical care, the democratic system for which so many have struggled so long and so many have died will gradually lose its credibility. We must never let that happen. In this scenario, the uniqueness and have strength of The Dally Star lies in its non-partisan position or. to put it more positively, in the freedom it enjoys from affiliation with or influence from any political party, grouping or alliance. On the other hand, we will be anything but neutral In conflicts between good and evil. Justice and injustice. right and wrong, regardless of positions assumed by political parties — whether in power or in opposition. No politician will be able to take this paper for granted, but none will be given cause to doubt our fairness. Finally, there are Issues, such as the rule of law, human rights, press freedom and accountability of people in the administration or in the world of trade and industry, on which this paper will never compromise, whatever the costs.