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Return of the tainted?

M. Shah Alam
POLITICS and its accompanying episodes have of late taken a significant turn. This was visibly heralded by the temporary release of Sheikh Hasina on parole for her treatment abroad, and more so by the special attention given her by the caretaker government (CTG).
Irrespective of how things may develop in the next few months, the change in the attitude of the CTG seems to be the right response to the call of practical need. What has really provided hope is that the CTG is making thoughtful attempts to take into account the ground realities and people’s concerns The CTG can also hardly ignore the international eyes on them in a globalised world
The CTG's changed attitude and subsequent tactics employed are already being reflected in some other cases of political figures' detention and temporary release, as well as in overall relaxation of the regime's rules.
In the emerging scenario and context, every conscious citizen
of the country would likely be confronted with the question as to whether or not, with such relaxation, the country would again see those who brought the nation to near catastrophe at the helm of affairs.
There were lots of writing in the press, lots of discussion in the electronic media and, of course, lots of words spoken and feelings expressed among the people themselves that the CTG overacted to extend its agenda, and would do good to limit itself to specifics; first of all, to hold free, fair and neutral general elections. To do that, reforms are definitely necessary, which the CTG has endeavoured to accomplish.
Fighting corruption and dealing with politically and administratively influential corrupt people was necessary, not only to prepare a level playing field for free and fair elections, but also to relieve the nation of this menacing vice, which has long blockaded every avenue of our development. The people enthusiastically welcomed and supported the CTG's anti-corruption drive.
Unfortunately, our politics was tainted with corruption of
unprecedented scale and dimension. It had to be cleaned because ultimately the politicians and the political parties, not the professional groups, would rule and run the country.
It was said many times that the so-called minus-two formula would be an interference with two main political trends of the country, and this could lead to political chaos and vacuum, because the two netris have become sort of symbols of underlying currents of thoughts or ideologies of their respective parties.
It was never expected that the campaign against corruption would put politics in jeopardy, which it turned out to be when the two netris were put behind bars. Now that the CTG seems to be coming to terms with the realities, can it be done without negative fall-out?
While the CTG's apparent policy of letting the two netris come back to their parties and be with them in some capacity seems rational and corresponds to realities, the government's success in apprehending and prosecuting the corrupt ought to
be sustained.
The people generally know the corrupt bigwigs. Many of them have been accused, apprehended, prosecuted or convicted. Are they going to stage a "hero's come-back?"
Many of them may be already harbouring such thoughts, and are only waiting for the chance. Should that happen, and the convicted are rehabilitated other than by way of due process of law, the consequences would be anything but imaginable. Corruption would no longer be regarded as corruption. It would mean total legitimisation and institutionalisation of corruption.
Such fears are disturbing the citizens' minds, because the government has done substantial damage to its credibility by unnecessarily extending its agenda as well as by ignoring political realities.
Many good works often lose their credibility when accompanied by "no good work." There are fears, because the CTG's good work runs the risk of being obliterated by the way it may be attempting to undo some of its overdoing.
The people's simple expectation is that the genuinely corrupt will not be able to take advantage of the government's present attitude and policy of taking into consideration the political realities to ensure proper election atmosphere, and that they would never again
make it to the helm of affairs.
The people also expect the government to appreciate the stakes involved. The CTG must find the sagacity to combine fighting corruption with ensuring healthy politics to leave behind a
healthy legacy. The CTG must preserve the gains so far achieved, and ensure that the next elected government preserves them too.
M Shah Alam is Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Chittagong.