The New Nation - Internet Edition

Kazi S.M. Khasrul Alam Quddusi

Even some staunch supporters of Bangladesh Awami Leauge (AL) were found pensive instead of being over the moon following the landslide victory of AL-led grand alliance in the recent landmark election. Yes, kind of apprehension was at the centre of their concern as to whether the AL leadership will be able to deliver the promises and live up to the trust reposed in them by the teeming millions who have provided Sheikh Hasina with a free rein to move ahead through a silent vote revolution.

Some have warned of dreadful recurrence of history in context of South Asian politics where there was either debacle of such majority-winning parties or army takeover. I, however, feel like being positive deep in my heart because I sense a clear tinge of confidence for the complete freedom provided to Sheikh Hasina by the people. I thus thank the judicious electorate of the country for strengthening the hands of Sheikh Hasina to the greatest extent possible for executing her charter of change.

Yes, the equation is quite simple. She has so many numbers of parliament members under her belt that none and no vested quarter in her party will be able to stand in the way if she wants to deliver the promises she made to the nation. Such an overwhelming majority she now commands that no quarter in her party will dare to sabotage her good intentions in fear of being politically obliterated for good. She has been given the liberty to impose draconian rule in her party so that none from her party can torment anybody in her name.

The common people expect a cabinet from Sheikh Hasina, which will comprise people of clean image and good track record. However, if control is exercised in good faith, there will always remain room for rectifications. She is now in a such a position so as to send down instant marching orders if any of her cabinet minister or incumbent is found wanting. She does not have to worry about genuine information. She can easily draw on the reports of the objective media for this very purpose.

If she cannot manage time to glance over the newspapers, she can employ some dedicated people to do that for her and update her from time to time. Based on mere media information followed by thorough yet quick validation, she would always be able to ditch any minister or incumbent without a second thought for possible repercussions. As long as the interests of the people as well as the country are upheld, the countrymen would mind little for her enlightened despotism against the budding corrupts and criminals.

I believe Sheikh Hasina has now become a true statesman. Years of vicissitudes and wealth of experience of politics and governance are behind her. In addition, presence of enlightened and competent people around her make one even more assured. Absolute caution, however, should be in place so that so called well-wishers in the garb of close relatives and party stalwarts cannot divert her concentration and devotion even for a while.

It is now common knowledge that role of close relatives has been invariably negative in tarnishing the image of political leadership in the past Khladea Zia being the most recent victim. One feels particularly happy for the fact that none will be able to single out his or her contribution for this resounding victory of AL-led opposition. Yes, no specific leader (leaders) -- senior or young -- was exceptionally influential in this victory. It is only the masses who were instrumental in this massive victory of AL-led opposition.

With a new government starting its journey, there will be many new appointments in many posts. One, however, expects that the new government will not try to tinker with the constitutional bodies constituted or reconstituted during the military-backed caretaker government.

Admittedly, one of the caretaker government's achievements was that it staffed almost all crucial bodies with competent and efficient people. Thus, mere strengthening them will serve the honest purpose of the new AL-led government.

However, in terms of new appointments in posts other than constitutional ones, competence and commitment rather than rewarding party lackeys should be the criteria. Only fools will dare to forget the outcome of manning important bodies with incompetent people in the recent past. How can one forget that people like Mr. Aziz, Tahmida Begum were not less responsible for BNP-led coalition's humiliating defeat in the elections?

To many, this landslide victory is a big challenge for AL. Thus, there are more warning bells than applause, and rightly so. To my mind, however, it is more of an opportunity than a challenge. There is a lot to be sanguine that the new government, led by the daughter of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina is wise enough to make utmost of this grand opportunity. Million thus join me in the prayers so that Shiekh Hasina's government can thwart tragic repetition of history and succeed in rewriting the same.