The New Nation - Internet Edition

Moin Imran Chowdhury

The Declaration of Emergency on January 11th, 2007 and the work of the respected Army Chief and the Armed Forces have become the most widely discussed subjects for the past one year. In the book titled "Nirbachito Shonkolon", The Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed has made clear what the Army's involvement with the Interim Government is. He has also cleared up the misconception amongst those who believe that the country is now under "martial law. "

The role of the Bangladesh Army is to assist the present interim government to eradicate corruption, maintain political stability and hold the general elections fairly. Although corruption cannot be stopped in one day, the Caretaker Government and Army have been pursuing rigorously to reduce it. Before the State of Emergency was declared, our beloved Bangladesh was heading towards a civil war and innocent citizens were being killed brutally. It can be said that "even animals were not being killed in the way humans were." People now think that every decision is being made in Army Head Quarters to run the country, which is completely untrue. The Army aides the Caretaker Government, which then makes the decisions regarding the path that our country is taking.

It is very unfortunate to see that the previous governments have completely failed in developing our country and left it like a derailed train wreck. Presently with all the efforts of the Caretaker Government and the Army, the train is back on track and all we need right now is a driver, who should have all the right qualifications needed to run a country. It is in the hands of us citizens to select the right driver. In order to have brighter future for this country, we all have to work together. Our population can be our strength. If 150 million people put their hands together, it is a total of 300 million hands. We can then work together for the developed Bangladesh we dream of and what our courageous freedom fighters wanted and sacrificed their lives for. There have been a certain disadvantages for the past one year like the price hike of general commodities and as expected, people are very upset. However, I believe that in order to get something good, we will all have to sacrifice something. I see a bright Bangladesh in the future, where there will be vast investments in education and business sectors, and greater efficiency in the civil service and bureaucracy.

I truly believe that the Chief of Army Staff has shown a great example by not usurping' and abusing his power. He has not "taken over" this country through force, but assisted in helping the transition that Bangladesh really needed. He has stated that Bangladesh needs

to be put back on track so that the poor and unfortunate citizens of this country are able to see a brighter Bangladesh as well.

In conclusion, I would like to add that during this past year and a half, crime rates have fallen and the roots of democracy are beginning to show and our thanks should go to the Armed Forces and the Caretaker Government. Along with helping our nation come back on track, I believe they have given another important example to upcoming politicians. They have demonstrated that politics can be corrupt-free and honourable and politicians must serve the country, not steal from the country. We now think twice before doing something corrupt and this is a big step for Bangladesh, where corruption is present in every realm of society. I am certain that the upcoming generation of tomorrow is looking forward to brighter and free from corruption and crime and injustice. Post 1/11, we are looking towards a greener future of our beloved country. Along with that, we the citizens must ensure that we will select the leader who will bring back true democracy which Bangladesh has not seen even after 36 years of Independence.