We are no 'negaholic', to use the new word that has found entry into the English dictionary as an apt synonym for 'cynic' of the compulsive type. In fact, we may have been seen to be erring on the side of optimism peeking at the moonlit beauty of the sky through the goalpost rather than the muddy patch at the ground level as the proverbial figure of speech goes. Even allowing for that kind of incorrigible good cheer, addiction for positivism and seeking out of chestnut from the fire, we cannot help citing marginalisation of parliament as one of our biggest disappointments in 1997, the year we bid adieu on this dewy morning of a fresh year.

The virtual impotence of the Jatiya Sangsad as the rock-bed institution of democracy in the continuing absence of bipartisan participation in its constitutionally mandated sessions has been an outright insult to the electorate and a breach of trust with them. They elected the 7th Jatiya Sangsad in the reincarnate phase of the parliamentary system with the hope that it would work normally by virtue of a conscious avoidance of the pitfalls of the, 1990-95 Jatiya Sangsad. That minimum yearning has been dashed — until now at least. Arrears have piled up in matters of decisionmaking, legislative work, watchdog role of the opposition and answerability covenant of the ruling party and the opposition by way of jointly establishing representativness and transparency of overall governance.

This has had a negative effect on the economy as well as on law and order and campus situations. The earlier expectations of an economic turnaround generated by some resolute policy pronouncements were belied as the year advanced. Portfolio investment crumbled with the DSE debacle and the FDI flows kept low.

Anti-corruption proceedings stopped on their tracks. Bangladesh Bank's laudable crusade against big loan defaulters petered out for lack of government support. Whatever may be the statistical variation in the law and order picture public confidence in the system of law enforcement, and rule of law as such, kept to a low level. The feeling of insecurity continued. Custodial deaths reflected adversely on the human rights situation.

Our prayers for 1998 are that the ruling and opposition parties have their finger on popular pulse and they immediately restore parliament to our national life. And, let the economy brace up to meet the aftermath of the great financial crisis in South East Asia which sends tremors to the world market of which we are a part.