& çâÌæÚUæð´ ·¤è ¥ôÚU Îð¹Ùæ ÁæÚUè ÚU¹ð´ ¥ÍæüÌ ¥ÂÙð ÜÿØ ÂÚU ŠØæÙ ÚU¹ð´Ð ãæÚU Ù ×æÙð´, €UØô´ç·¤ ·¤æ× ·¤ÚUÙð âð ¥æÂ·¤ô ©gðàØ ·¤è Âýæç# ãôÌè ãñ ¥õÚU ÁèßÙ ·¤æ ¹æÜèÂÙ ÎêÚU ãôÌæ ãñÐ ÖÜð ãè ÁèßÙ ×ð´ ç·¤ÌÙè Öè ·¤çÆÙæ§ü €UØô´ Ù ¥æ°, çÁ™ææâæ ¥õÚU ©ˆâæã ÕÙæ° ÚU¹ð´Ð ŠØæÙ ÚU¹ð´, ÜÿØ ã×ðàææ ¥æÂ·Ô¤ Âæâ ãôÌð ãñ´ çÁ‹ãð´ ÂæÙð ·Ô¤ çÜ° ÂýØæâ ¥æÂ ·¤Öè Öè àæéM¤ ·¤ÚU â·¤Ìð ãñ´Ð

Vote for a change

At this crucial hour, the electorate will have to be resolute so that the immediate past corrupt cartels are not voted in again, and that the forces opting for change are given a look in to put in their performance.

Kazi S.M. Khasrul Alam Quddusi
ELECTIONS 2008, the defining moment of the nation, is very much at our doorstep. Yes, finally the time has come for us to take a deep breath and make a solid vow so that we can make the most of the occasion. Had it been held two years back, its significance would not have been the same as the imminent one because of many factors, including qualitative change of our politics. Our politics must change and change for the better.
There is a perceived feeling that little qualitative change has taken place in the mindset of our political leaders. This statement is not altogether false. Despite this perception, I think that things will not be that smooth for the ones who are contemplating on doing whatever they wish once they win the elections. I am, however, sceptical of my conviction if the alliance that presented the nation with worst form of misgovernance during 2001-2006 comes back to power.
The spirit of 1/11 might have been diluted to a degree. There is, however, nothing to ascertain that 1 /11 has left no impact whatsoever. One message of 1 /11 that has established itself is that no quarter will be allowed to play ducks and drakes with the fate of the nation for long. This time around, however, the electorate will have to decide whether they will opt for change or stick with the stinking ones.
Some quarters are now saying that the countrymen had to suffer a lot during the two years of the caretaker government. They have, however, no remorse whatsoever for their misdeeds during 2001-2006, inarguably the most corrupt period of the country's history. It is really time for registering a strong rejoinder to such outrageous comments of the fallen leaders.
The same quarters are even trying to capitalise on the horrific scenes of October 28,2006. Whatever happened on that fateful day is, of course, abominable. However, no one can deny the catalytic role of the then ruling coalition in leading the country to such a pass. Thus, trying to
dupe people by showing those awful is. nothing, but deceiving, the nation in the real sense of the term.
Admittedly, the'nation’s memory is too short, but the people cannot afford to forget Kansat, and Fulbari. They also cannot forget the abysmal corruption, thousands of crores taka of investment for no electricity, abrupt rise of militancy, and killing of opposition political leaders.
Though the Anti-corruption Commission could not finish the outstanding job it started, the countrymen will definitely dig their own graves if they allow even a bit of leeway for the safe return of the big corruption suspects, including the then prince of corruption and his notorious followers.
Can we pave the way for revival of the architects of syndicate business and consequent human sufferings? Can we ensure comeback of the destroyers of various key institutions of the country, and even of the presidency, by turning those into party dens instead of abodes for hopes and aspirations of the common people?
No, we just cannot allow them in again for the sake of the nation. Thily, our
Kazi S.M. Khasrul Alam Quddusi is Assistant Professor. Department of Public Administration, University of Chittagong. E-mail: khasru74@yahoo.com.
patriotic armed forces salvaged the nation from an impending disaster, as well as the reckless plunderers, on 1/11. It will be, however, too much to expect them to intervene in running of state affairs every now and then. The people will now have to elect such people that the military can stay in barracks without worrying about developments outside.
Reportedly, the overwhelming majority of our current electorate belongs to thfc’ntiiqgeneratiori. The^ fire very much in the swim and well aware of the contemporary happenings in the country. I have a strong conviction that they will not make a mistake in exercising their right to vote. People might even opt for no vote, which is indeed a wholesome addition. Caution, however, must be taken so that the most corrupt cannot benefit from this protest
At this crucial hour, the electorate will have to be resolute so that the immediate past corrupt cartels are not voted in again, and that the forces opting for change are given a look in to put in their performance. If this golden opportunity is lost, no one and nothing missed during 2001-2006 will remain intact in the hands of the old predators. Let us keep our fingers crossed so that we can make it on the Election Day and move toward a shining Bangladesh.