We at this newspaper cannot but express our disagreement with the Law Adviser. And we do so because of our feeling, one we share with the rest of the country, that there is a growing demand for a return to the democratic political process in a progressive manner. From this perspective, we feel that Mainul Hosein's argument against early removal of fetters on indoor politics is clearly contestable.

Additionally, we may point out here that the Law Adviser has been making some rather sweeping, ill-considered comments on the political parties. His view that politicians wish to ascend to power only to indulge in corruption and so leave the country high and dry is unfortunate. One cannot forget that the impasse we are in at present is a result of the doings of a party towards which the leanings of the Adviser have been quite well-known. The failings of a particular party or politician cannot be regarded as the failures of all parties and all politicians. It must be remembered that no matter what a particular phase in the country's history may be, governance must always be the prerogative of those who are part of the political process and its leaders.

The times we are living through are plainly critical ones. And that is saying the least. What the country expects from individuals in responsible positions is less of indiscretion and more of purposeful steps towards fulfilling national expectations. Among those expectations is, on an immediate basis, a lifting of the ban on indoor politics to allow the parties to talk over the reforms issue. Simultaneously, such a move will facilitate much-needed inter-action between the parties and the Election Commission. The Law Adviser's sentiments notwithstanding, the imperative for us is a lifting of the ban on indoor politics.