The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE grand alliance led by the Bangladesh Awami League gained overwhelming majority in the just concluded election of 9th Parliament. This marks another record majority by a single party or alliance. The election has been termed as free, fair and by and large peaceful by many including foreign and local election observers. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which lost the election, complained of irregularities in 72 polling centres of 42 constituencies.

The record-win with 262 seats places the AL-led alliance in a strong position to chart the next course for the country. But the bigger the win the more formidable is the challenge for the winner. The new government to be sworn in soon shall have to establish a democratic polity in the country where the Parliament would be the centre of all national activities. For this the majority party must show the maximum tolerance and respect for the opposition parties and take them into confidence. Creation of a congenial democratic atmosphere both in and outside the parliament depends mainly on the treasury bench. The democratic fabric of the country must be strengthened.

The next government will have to face a host of immediate and long-term challenges. The inflationary situation prevailing in the country needs to be addressed urgently. The country is in dire need of a strong infrastructural development including power and energy. Massive investment in agriculture and industry is pivotal for development of the economy. The spectre of global warming looms large over the horizon. The next government must strive hard to build an efficient administration to face the challenges by enlisting the participation of experts in various fields and must remain free from sycophants. It should prove equal to the challenge of ensuring good governance.