IN case there was any doubt in anyone's mind, the actions of the ruling alliance since the start of the year make it clear that its re-election campaign is in full swing. The ruling alliance is now using every advantage and privilege of incumbency to advance its own electoral cause and to show-case its favoured candidates for the nominations in the public eye.

This is not new in Bangladeshi politics, but neither is it in any way acceptable, and, as in some other realms, the present government has surpassed previous records when it comes to this kind of abuse of official power and position to extract electoral advantages. The launching of what can only be called an incipient re-election campaign under the pretext or on the sideline of official work is obvious, blatant, and in violation of the law.

The Privileges and Remuneration Act contemplates this kind of abuse, and clearly implies that other than for carrying out official functions, use of money from the state exchequer is strictly forbidden. Under the act, there can be no mixing up of partisan elements in official government functions or events.

Thus when the prime minister or ministers or state ministers or deputy ministers visit development projects or the openings of schools, colleges, hospitals, bridges, culverts, etc at government expense and make a political speech in favour of the ruling alliance and requesting the audience's vote, it should be deemed unlawful as in other democratic countries. The sensitivity of helicopter being used for such a purpose is well known.

In addition to the afore-mentioned, taking this kind of personal or political advantage also runs counter to the Bangladesh General Financial Rules, and, we would imagine, might well even implicate aspects of the election financing law.

The government and opposition are set to debate the rules to level the playing field for the next election; however, unless this abuse of government power and position is curbed, the opposition will have new cause for complaint.

Besides, it must be noted that at a time when the finance ministry has announced a 10% austerity cut, these lavish events to promote party interest are neither fiscally nor politically prudent, and will do nothing to improve the tense political atmosphere.