The New Nation - Internet Edition

IT is the universal tradition to greet the New Year. Bangladeshis have welcomed the new year, 2009, with fervour. They have reasons to be specially optimistic in the new year because they have passed a major hurdle in the sense of successfully holding the long awaited national elections. With the elections over the people now await a smooth power transition and a new government to discharge its responsibilities amid relative political stability. This factor, plus the robust macro economic conditions which the caretaker government inherited and is leaving for their successors, would help the newcomers to start off without facing major economic challenges.

Thus, the New Year should begin peacefully with good tidings in the political and economic fronts. However, the above would depend entirely on what the new elected government does to free itself from old ruling styles to understand the depth of people's expectations and respond to the same. The Awami League leaders must realise that they have to be exceptionally work-oriented to materialise their election pledges made to the people. The same would essentially involve doing everything possible to maintain political stability which is indispensable for good economic performance. To that end the next government should make and sustain gestures towards the opposition to be a part of governmental efforts.

In the economic sphere, the new government must get its acts together from the first month of governance to steer the economy amid the worldwide economic downturn with very able hands striking a good balance between the macro and micro needs. The meeting of the twin objectives reasonably well by the winners of the election, will mean that Bangladesh would stand a good chance to experience a happy and productive year.