The New Nation - Internet Edition

An Observer

The statement of US Ambassador James Moriarty at AmCham luncheon Wednesday is quite significant in the context of the political scenario of Bangladesh. The guests at the function deduced the bottom line of his speech as 1) election is a must by December, 2) support to a pro-army party to win election for continuation of measures of the present administration, and 3) support to action against politicians accused of corruption.

It is no secret that the US exerted influence in all major political changes in Bangladesh, including the August 15, 1975, in which Ambassador Boster is said to have played a pivotal role. Credited as China expert, Moriarty was last in Kathmandu. It is not yet known if he has any role in the game plan to thwart the Maoist in taking the power although they won the election with a comfortable majority. Moriarty who came to Dhaka barely weeks ago with the new assignment will see, rather influence, the political transition in Bangladesh.

If the US has any influence in the politics of this country, the message is loud and clear. It wants election and the winning party or parties that will form the government should ratify all actions of the present caretaker government. He clearly said that his country does not want to see a repeat of Pakistan President Gen Parvez Musharraf government's nemesis in Bangladesh. Parties opposed to Musharraf's Muslim League won the election and are now trying to undo his actions, including dismissal of judges and even impeach President Musharraf. This shows that in Bangladesh, the US will take enough care so that the political parties opposed to the army-backed government do not have the edge and repeat the problem faced in Pakistan.

Moriarty dwelt at length corruption, which he described as the enemy of democracy. He estimated that corruption in Bangladesh costs the country between two and three percent of its GDP, which represents approximately two billion dollars a year. To tackle corruption, he stressed the need for national consensus - among the government, the business community, the legal community and civil society - to work together. The emphasis he laid on corruption suggests the US wants support of all sections of the people in case of possible punishment by the court of politicians in corruption cases.

At the same time Moriarty apprehends about the holding of election according to the roadmap. "We fear if the national election is not held in time, things, including political situation, will deteriorate in Bangladesh," he said.

True, the roadmap to national election seems fraught with roadblocks. The apprehension has given rise in the minds of people following the arrest of three BNP stalwarts, including reformist leader Abdul Mannan Bhuiya and Jamaat chief Matiur Rahman Nizami in the Gatco scam case. Sensing arrest in the case, another accused and BNP reformist acting chairperson Saifur Rahman left the country a few days back. This latest action of the government has no doubt encouraged the major political parties - Awami League, BNP and Jamaat - to square up and secure the release of their leaders.

Until the arrest of Bhuiyan, Nizami, Shamsul Islam and MK Anwar, it seemed Awami League, BNP reformist group and Jamaat were ready to take part in the election without Hasina and Khaleda. BNP reformist leader Hafizuddin who was always supporting the government has turned to a critic of the government.

The arrest of Nizami has risked the relationship with Saudi Arabi. Most of the political parties are now united demanding the release of Hasina and Khaleda with a threat to boycott the political dialogue with the government and ultimately the election.

It will be naïve to think that the administration had not weighed the possible reactions to the arrest of the politicians who were overtly and covertly supporting the government. The months ahead will be crucial for the government. The nation is anxiously waiting to see the steps the government takes to assuage the political leaders and bring the major political parties to the dialogue and election.