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Agenda for change

A KM A Quader
The people of Bangladesh have once again asserted in the just concluded parliamentary election that they are serious about their rights and responsibilities; they cannot be sidelined and ignored; and moreover, they are not apolitical. They have delivered their verdict for change, and the change is for peace and progress for the entire population across the country. They have clearly shown that the people's wish is supreme.
The people have struck a deal with the Awami League-led grand alliance, to be served by them and not to be ruled by them. The grand alliance must always remember that it cannot be an elected tyrant because of its overwhelming victory.
The people of Bangladesh, ’especially the new/young voters and women, have spoken their minds through the ballot in favour of economic progress, opportunities for honest and decent livelihood, social entitlement, people's empowerment and peace. They have shown their maturity with a sense of direction and purpose by dumping the despots, the corrupt, self-seekers, looters and plunderers. They deserve a big "Thank You" for giving the country a sense of direction in line with the perception and inspiration of the war of liberation.
The Election Commission headed by Dr. A.T.M. Shamsul Huda has shown that it is always possible to hold a free, fair and credible election. The armed forces have successfully completed a great task by preparing a credible voter list and national identity cards. The caretaker government stood steadfastly beside the Election Commission for making a credible election realisable, and amazed the nation by exposing corruption, loot and misuse of power in every sphere of government. In spite of some lapses, the Election Commission, the armed forces and the caretaker government deserve a round of loud applause from all of us for their service to the nation.
The people's verdict in favour of change asks for:-• Governance and transparency;
• Enforcement of law and order;
• Eradication of corruption and nepotism;
• Establishment of rule of law without fear or favour;
• Tria) of war criminals;
• Not to ignore the people's wish and take lesson from the history.
The immediate tasks for the government are:-
• Bringing down the price of food items and essentials through market monitoring and intervention;
• Ensuring supply of fertiliser, energy, loan, pesticides etc. for the farmers;
• Planning for augmenting power and gas supply;
• Making the academic campuses peaceful;
• Rebuilding the infrastructure, especially waterways, roads and railways;
• Strengthening the AntiCorruption Commission (ACC) to root out corruption from the country.
These are doable, and the new government with Sheikh Hasina at the helm of affairs shall deliver them in earnest. The people do not beg the
government to feed them, rather they want the government to be proactive in assisting them in earning their livelihood with dignity. If the people are able to go on with their normal day-to-day activities, the country will move forward and the economy will be vibrant. We strongly believe that the new government will fulfil the people's desire for a peaceful and prosperous life.
It will be a long arduous walk before we finally reach the road to peace and progress. Other nations have done it and we shall do it also. If we could win the best wonder of life, a free Bangladesh, we can once more make sacrifices to transform it into Sonar Bangla. We can do it; we shal^-do it in style. Bless and guide' us Almighty!
Dr A.K M.A Quador is Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Englneenng and Technology,