The New Nation - Internet Edition

Abdur Rahim

Whoever assumes the authority to govern the country, at the very outset, declares in the loudest voice, its firm commitment to eradicate corruption from the society thereby enabling the people to live a peaceful life free from fear and intimidation from those possessing huge wealth earned through illegal means and using political power. Such a brave announcement receives acclaim of the populace who rejoice at the advent of the 'new saviour'. It is, however, understandable that the eradication of corruption overnight is neither possible nor fully achievable. For that reason the protagonists of the honest administration must exercise restraint in repeating their number one agenda (eradication of corruption) leaving behind their day-to-day work, and ignoring their prime constitutional obligation of holding a general election with a view to handing over power to an elected government.

But the present decision of the government to hold local government polls in August next before the general election in December this year has created new controversy in the political arena. While the BNP-led Four Party Alliance outright rejected the local government election plan, Awami League and its allies seem to be somewhat soft on the issue. Awami League demand change in the schedule of the local government election and at the same time asking the government to hold the general election first. Such attitude of Awami League is attributed by their critics to the result of an understanding of the party with the government. The Chief Advisor Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed while talking to the Ferdous Quraishi-led PDP representatives has firmly dismissed such rumour. Meanwhile, a leading member of the Awami League Abdul Latif Siddiqi of Tangail has come under serious criticism in the AL Working Committee meeting over his observation that Hasina's release on parole was the result of a compromise of the party with the government. His view has further strengthened the remour of AL's accord with the government. AL's participation in LG polls is now a fate accompli although the AL candidates wouldn't use party symbol in the election as per the existing regulations. AL's participation in the LG election, party policy makers believe, would pave the way for them to form the next political government and in the process share power with the existing power base. With such an illusion, AL had participated in 1986 under Ershad's regime.

On the other hand minor political parties led by major leaders like Prof. Badruddoza Chowdhury, Col. Oli Ahmed and Dr. Kamal Hossain have their blessings to the government in holding of the LG polls. They, however, strongly demanded holding of all elections free from the influence of black money and muscle power. Nonetheless controversy over the local government election might cause unrest if the issue is not resolved amicably between the government and the major political parties. By no means people want to see repetition of the events that led to the imposition of emergency power regulations (EPR) and the prolonged stay of the caretaker government.

The present caretaker government headed by Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed took over the administration on 11 January last year at a very critical juncture of our national life when the law and order situation was on the verge of collapse over holding of the general election on 22 January, 2007.

There is no denying of the fact that the caretaker government has taken some bold steps in arresting corruption to a great extent and in the process taken into custody two former prime ministers as well as a number of ex-ministers and industrialists-businessmen as well as bureaucrats. Although a number of politicians and bureaucrats have been convicted on various jail terms with confiscation of their illegally earned wealth, but at the same time some big shots widely known for corruption are either beyond the reach of the law enforcing agencies or now released on bail.

The government's hand is full with huge number of corruption cases and most of those cases awaiting disposal. At this stage the NCC will not entertain more corruption cases, but such cases would be undertaken by the normal law courts. While the World Bank Vice-President Mr. Patel has expressed satisfaction over the government's corruption eradication drive, he however, didn't hide his dismay at the slow progress in disposal of the cases. The world Bank Executive has only reflected the sentiment of general people which has further been backed by the Transparency International's latest report saying that corruption shows an upward trend. Speed money still dominates the business and industrial sectors thereby encouraging profiteering and discouraging investment in industrial sector. Common people are feeling the brunt of the price spiral that has further been aggravated by the rise in gas price. It is made clear by the Administration that soon price of petroleum products will also go up leading to further escalation of prices of essentials and services. Commotion already exists in ready made garments sector over the failure of the factory owners to pay the workers their due remuneration. However, the just published SSC result is a redeeming feature leads us to believe that no sincere endeavour goes un-rewarded. The stern measures adopted by the previous government to stop copying in public examinations has of late given remarkable dividend. The Education Advisor Hussain Zillur Rahman while appreciating the unprecedented good results in this year's SSC example could make reference to the successful efforts of the past regime, thereby, setting a rare example of recognising the laudable action of their predecessors. As such, the future government might take a good lesson from the courageous stand of the caretaker government in the drive against corrupt but powerful peoplenot taking into consideration of their socio-political positions. However, anybody held on corruption charges has the fundamental right to take recourse to justice to prove his/her innocence. This government at least has broken the stigma that powerful and wealthy people, even if charged with serious corruption, were untouchable. People are eager to see the result and not listen to high-sounding words only.