Addressing the inaugural session ol (he week-long "Bijoy Utsab." organised by the Sammilito Sangskritik Jote at the Central Shaheed Minar. President Shahabuddin Ahmed made a critical reference to our political culture Indeed he could not be more correct in saying that a healthy politi cal culture is yet to develop in the country Marked by partisan concerns, the country's politics has be come a prisoner of the past His caustic remarks may be unpalatable but they are right on target and should be a basis for bringing in changes on the ways of politics.

On the eve of the silver jubilee of our Independence and Victory Day. the President has once again reminded everyone oi the national malaise that has been our singular handicap in shaping the nation's future. The President goes to a great length to show how the conceptualisation of na tional aspiration and ethos has been jeopardised time and again through the intervention of extra-democratic forces and a lack of unity and consensus on the burning issues. President Shahabuddin has indeed tried to prove the point that the discontinuity in democratic process is to blame for distortions in the perception of national interests.

No wonder that the President has appealed to all. the cultural activists in particular, that they be Imbued with the spirit of 1971 and devote themselves to the task of nation-building. The President does not speak of something new or unknown to the political parties. It is the conviction with which he tells about the spirit that swept all across the land in 1971 which really makes the difference. At his age and in the position he finds himself at a crucial juncture of our history. It is only fitting that the President has pleaded for national reconciliation on which political parties and others concerned about the well being of the country could build the future of the nation.

A small country like ours must lie imbued with a spirit as enduring as that of 1971 to progress and prosper.