The missteps of the commission so far have been quite discouraging. The commission's functioning has been marred by high profile disagreements and conflicts and an inability to decide even the basics. As a result, things are far behind schedule. If, after all, it takes five months for the organogram to be agreed upon, then it is a fair question to ask how long it will take for the ACC to actually become operational, and how effective its operations will be.

Indeed, if the creation of the commission was meant to ease the public mind and to improve our image outside the country, it has fallen rather short of the mark. The unedifying spectacle of squabbling and stalemate with respect to the ACC will hardly fill anyone with confidence or make anybody think that things are now on the right track.

However, what is past is past. Let us now move on. The fact that the commission has reached agreement -- albeit belatedly -- is a good thing. Indeed, perhaps the long impasse indicates a seriousness among the commissioners and suggests that the organisation will be run in a non-partisan and even-handed manner. We certainly hope so.

Too much time has already been lost. The ACC is a crucial organisation. If run correctly, it could greatly change governance for the better. Now that the details have been hammered out, and presumably a working relationship has been reached, the time has come to get down to business.

The success or failure of the ACC will be judged based on how efficiently and fairly they perform their function. The development and advancement of Bangladesh in many ways depends on its success. We hope that the recent agreement is a sign that the ACC has turned the corner and is ready to deliver.