THoUGH the caretaker government has ultimately taken over the charge, but the impasse is yet to be over because of the eccentric and obstinate attitude of the cEc. Rather, the situation is becoming more complicated. The threat and counter threat from both the sides are on and the situation may worsen and get flared up anytime. Like others one also humbly request the cEc and other two election commissioners to follow the path of justice KM Hasan for the greater interest of the country and the nation. Justice KM Hasan has proved himself wise and prudent. He has chosen not to be the victim of dirty politics. Now, as it appears, without resolving the issue of reforming the election commission there is every possibility of serious confrontation leading towards a catastrophe.

As a conscious citizen with some patriotic feeling, it is painful to observe such a queer situation and restrain one's emotion. one notes with great sadness that more than three decades after independence the sacrifices by the valiant sons and daughters of this soil seem to have been made in vain and an act of hypocrisy characterised by pervasive corruption, intolerance and mistrust is ritualised in our politics.

Broadly speaking there are two ways of resolving disputes -coercive and non-coercive. Since the dispute is between the two camps within the country the question of adoption of first one does not arise; as such the second option seems the right choice to arrive at a just and honourable solution of the genuine issues of reform of Election commission for the greater good of the nation.

Since comprehensive voter list is a prerequisite for fair election, its

absence or distorted presence will simply not reflect the will of the people. Unfortunately, a serious stalemate has been created in the election commission, which has failed to prepare an acceptable voter list for the next general election. Besides, the cEc and his associates have lost their credibility long before and public confidence in their ability and intention to conduct free and fair election has eroded largely after the Supreme court verdict. Here i would like to fully endorse the views of Mr. Mahfuz Anam, Editor of The Daily Star "The trio and their election subversion ploy". He has rightly pointed out that the mind set of the two commissioners can easily be gauged by their comments on January 17, 2006. The day following their appointment Mr. Mahfuzur Rahman (Ec) said that since the judgment of the High court was not lawful the question of compliance did not arise. Mr. Jakaria, talking to the election commission staff, after becoming commissioner made an uncourte-ous remark on his two predecessors that they knew nothing and were illiterate. A person having minimum sense of eticacy and manner cannot make such a remark. of course, it is the human nature to think others at his own level. Both Mr. Munsef Ali and Md. Ali are retired district judges. They are well-respected and reputed for their honesty, integrity and ability.

The election commission informs the caretaker chief that it is not possible to correct the mistakes in the controversial voter list but i believe it should not take more than two months to update the voter list. of course commitment, political wisdom and appropriate fund are prerequisite to that.

on the plane of government performance the BNP-led four-party alliance started well initially but at the terminal year it has

totally disappointed and its political behaviour has failed to inspire confidence. it should be the spirit of government to accept the reasonableness of the opposition stand and come out of the rigid postures. To this end, a radical departure from the present approach is called for particularly on the issue of reform of election commission. on the other hand, the fourteen-party opposition shall also be urged not to create too much pressure on the caretaker government. For example, when the power has been handed over

to the caretaker government, it is implied that the photograph of Begum Khaleda Zia will be automatically removed from the offices, and secondly voters' photographs at this stage is simply impossible. it will take minimum two years to do the job of making identity card with photograph.

So the demands should be pragmatic and practical. There is no reason to underestimate the people at large of this country. our people are intelligent enough to judge the intentions of the respective political parties and we have no reason to underestimate them. The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. Unfortunately, most of our leaders lack vision in terms of political thought, national integrity and economic development of the country. They are inclined and oriented to their party interest, personal gains rather than concentrating their efforts and sincer-

ity towards resolving national crises.

The parliament became virtually dysfunctional and instead of addressing the national issues, unnecessary bickering took place in the sessions; and hartal and barricade became other regular activities which caused unnecessary loss of lives and properties. We had a jumbo cabinet with few ineffective ministers, besides two ministers without portfolio and two advisors. one cannot comprehend the logic behind keeping more than one minister in one

ministry and minister without portfolio. A poor country like ours should not afford to maintain such a huge waste of public exchequer.

in parliamentary democracy, an impartial speaker representing the dignity of the House would regulate the House since he is the kingpin in the system. We all know that parliamentary democracy requires stout opposition and their forcible expression of opinions and views is a healthy practice in democracy. it is a duty of the parliamentarians regardless of their political affiliations to work unitedly in order to institutionalise parliamentary democracy. Sadly, all this did not happen.

The constitution guarantees neutral and non-partisan election commission and caretaker government. Unfortunately, both election commission and chief of caretaker government have become controversial. However, the issue of controversy on

assuming the responsibility of caretaker chief by the president himself should not continue further, rather we should look forward to ways for holding a free and fair election. our Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus has rightly pointed out that the honorable president and caretaker govt. chief should listen to everybody but not to be influenced by any body. He should be tough on running the country and make a congenial atmosphere for holding a truly free and fair election.

Reform of caretaker govern-

ment and election commission were first initiated at a press conference on July 15, 2005 and later on formally placed in the parliament by the opposition leader Sheikh Hasina in February 2006. Eight months had elapsed but there was no positive response from the four-party alliance govt. There is no denying the fact that the reform of election commission in particular has turned into a national consensus and bypassing the issue will bring a disastrous situation in the country. The caretaker government should take immediate effective steps towards this to avert any catastrophe.

What British historian Robbers said 150 years ago seems to be true to a great extent even today. To him people of the Gangetic plain seemed corrupt and deceitful. Some people of this country pretend to be pious and God fearing but do not hesitate to tell a lie. Problem lies here. of course,

Machiavell, the eminent political philosopher pointed out that a successful politician should have at least three qualities: (1) He must be a liar; (2) he must be clever like fox, and (3) he should be lion-hearted. The ruling four-party alliance claims that flood of development have taken place in this country. No doubt over the last five years some infrastructure have been established and some development has taken place but nevertheless the BNP chief and her associates know well that their image has already been tarnished

to some extent because of the following: (1) corruption could not be curbed rather increased among the ministers, MPs and their associates; (2) adequate electricity could not be provided rather loadshedding increased; (3) separation of judiciary from executive could not be materialized; (4) price hike of essential commodities could not be controlled rather went beyond the reach of poor people; (5) ombudsman could not be appointed; (6) though through RAB some achievement in controlling the criminals have been made but side by side with the rise of the fundamentalists the country has fallen in deep troubles.

in this connection it is encouraging to note that a new party -Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) -has emerged seemingly with a firm determination to uproot corruption and punish the offenders. Those who are in favour of establishing a just and honourable

society may join hands with them to strengthen their efforts towards realising noble objectives.

in a Muslim majority country like ours even one with a high record of all kinds of mischievous activities aspires to gain power and speak about islamic principles! What the general people will learn from such kind of leadership having no integrity but hypocrisy? While i studied at George Washington University, USA, two quotations really influenced me so much that i cannot check my temptation to quote from the speech of George Washington, the first president of the USA, “character is the governing element above genius. A person having high moral can contribute more than a corrupt person.” congressman Randloph categorically said, "A man of splendid abilities, but utterly corrupt, shines and stinks like a rotten mackerel (a fish) by moonlight.”

it is painful to see a news item in The Daily Star on 6th November, 2006 that Mr. Moudud Ahmed, the former law minister, has written in the latest version of the constitution that “The elected political leadership failed to give direction to the people at that critical moment (25th March, 1971). in that situation, in response to the indispensable demand of the time, the then Major Ziaur Rahman of the army, made the historic declaration of independence from Kalurghat radio station in chittagong as a leader of the war of resistance.” Whereas, the proclamation of independence describes that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed the independence of Bangladesh and asked the people to save the sovereignty and dignity of the country. in fact on 7th March, 1971 at the Racecourse Moidan the informal declaration

was made. on 25th March, 1971 through a telegraphic message to Mr. Hannan at chittagong the declaration of independence was conveyed and on behalf of Bangabandhu, then Major Ziaur Rahman declared the independences. When Mr. Ziaur Rahman was asked whether 'on behalf' should be deleted from his speech or not, he categorically mentioned that history cannot be wiped out. He uttered it twice. But the sycophants are trying to distort the history.

No doubt late Ziaur Rahman was a valiant freedom fighter and fought for this country and later on multiparty democracy was established under his leadership and production oriented politics got a momentum in this country which had a good impact on the development of the country. His honesty and integrity and patriotic feelings are praiseworthy. But he should not be compared with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman because without Bangabandhu the emergence of Bangladesh was unthinkable and there should be no ambiguity on the issue of the father of the nation.

There are good, competent and honest people in this country who are capable to run its affairs efficiently but the present system allows them little scope to be elected. There lies the problem. Hence, a system should be innovated so that only the honest and dedicated people can come to power; otherwise, our future will be at stake. Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus has brought pride and honour for all of us and the onus has fallen on all of us to uphold the prestige of this country now.

The author is former Director, BSRTI, Rajshahi.

***1 y5'

There are good, competent and honest people in this country who are capable to run its affairs efficiently but the present system allows them little scope to be elected. There lies the problem. Hence, a system should be innovated so that only the honest and dedicated people can come to power; otherwise, our future will be at stake. Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus has brought pride and honour for all of us and the onus has fallen on all of us to uphold the prestige of this country now.***