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Small and fresh

Observe civil society members, others on new cabinet

Staff Correspondent
The small cabinet with fresh faces is something very rare in the arena of the political culture of the country, which has created a space for new leadership and political reforms, civil society members and educationists said.
Keeping most of the stalwarts out of the cabinet is the primary sign that Awami League (AL) truly wants a change, but incorporation of different party leaders into the cabinet made it a big challenge whether it will be able to work as a team, they said in reaction to the formation of the new cabinet yesterday evening.
They also said the success of the cabinet mostly depends on the distribution of portfolios and the formation of the cabinet suggested that AL was very circumspect in the process.
“Such a change in the cabinet is a reform more than the
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reforms the so-called reformists wanted to bring about except the minus two formula," Dr Akbar Ali Khan. Regulatory Reforms Commission Chairman, said.
He said lire cabinet is small and comprised of mostly new faces, which is very different from the traditional cabinets of the country and will help emerge new political leadership.
"The problem, however, is if leaders of different parties in it could work as a team, as they do not have experience of doing teamwork and most of them arc lacking experience in parliamentary politics," Dr Khan, a former cabinetsecretary, said.
For a good teamwork, the Prime Minister herself has to be especially active, he said, adding that some deputy ministers should have been in the cabinet because this is a position that functions as a training for the leaders.
“It is therefore the media and civil society, which has to play a vital role for making the parliament functional and effective," he said.
Shushashoner Jannoy Nagorik (Shujan) Chairman
Professor Muzaffer Ahmad said: "The good thing about the new cabinet is that it is small in size and there arc no MPs accused in corruption cases, except AL chiefSheikh Hasina."
"This is certainly a change, but die true change depends on how the cabinet members function. It is a matter of observation," he said when asked if formation of the cabinet reflects the pledges of AL had made in its manifesto.
Professor Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka University termed die formation of die cabinet an "interesting combination", saying dierc arc only a few stalwarts, which created a space for political reforms, effective parliament and overall democratization of die society.
The stalwarts who were kept outside the cabinet could be active in the parliamentary standing committees to truly make the ministries accountable, he said, adding that the real change, however, could be observed when they deliver.
"Now AL is a majority in the parliament and so cannot show reasons for their failures. Their responsibility is much more than ever," he said, adding that the small opposition should not
be any reason behind non-functionality of the parliament.
Professor Muhammad Zafar Iqbal overwhelmingly appreciated the priorities of the young and new leaders in the cabinet, saying they are very smart and can learn very quickly to meet the aspirations of people.
"I am very happy about this. I always like the young generation/ he said, adding: “I am sure these cabinet members will at least try their best."
Asked if the AL with thumping majority could make effective the parliament widi tiny opposition, Zafar Iqbal said it is tlie responsibility of the AL to create scopes for the opposition to strongly participate in the parliament.
"There is no scope for AL to escape the pledges it made. None will forgive tnem for their mistakes," he said, suggesting that the civil society and media should play crucial role for making the government accountable.
Trying the war criminals and improving the education systems are two other most important tasks, Zafar Iqbal said.
The priorities of the government should be to concentrate on the economy of the country,
which is likely to be affected by the global recession, curbing prices of essentials, maintain ing the markets of commodities and overseas employment, maintaining law and order and generation of adequate power, they said.
'Any slip in these efforts will wreak havoc on the country,” said Dr Akbar Ali Khan, adding that the administration is I already demoralized for anti corruption drives and it is a prime task of the new government to restore confidence in bureaucracy.
Gono Forum leader Dr Kamal Hossain said, "May the parliament be successful and democracy be consolidated He hoped that politics would be free from corruption, militant \ and nepotism with an effective parliament.
Chief Election Commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda termed the swearing in of the new government the happiest day for them. "We [the Election Commission] hope the government will fulfill the people's expectation." He said they have no doubt that they would perform their duties independently and hoped that the new government would cooperate with them.
Army chief Gen Moeen U Ahmed said, "I hope the new government will perform its duties properly and the people should extend all out support." He wished for a prosperous Bangladesh. "We are sure dial the new government will emphasise the need for economic development turning manpower into human resource," he said.
Sheikh Rehana said yesterday reminded her of the 1971 Victory Day. "Thanks to all and I seek their blessings. I express my deepest gratitude to the Almighty."
US Ambassador John F Moriarty congratulated the new government saying that a new democracy has started its journey through a free and fair election.
British High Commissioner Stephen Evans said they are looking forward to seeing a participatory democracy in Bangladesh with the new government assuming office. He said the British government wants to work with the new government more closely.