In its attempt to level the playing field for the election it has involved itself in, perhaps, too many jobs, though these jobs should have been undertaken long ago. Among the major jobs undertaken by it, the most difficult and time-consuming are,(a) curbing of corruption, (b) reform of political parties, and (c) establishment of good governance. However, for whatever success it has been able to achieve, due credit should be given to the people and the armed forces for their whole-hearted cooperation.

So far so good. More difficult time lies ahead for the CTG. With no progress made in controlling prices of essential items, unsatisfactory progress made in remedying the crisis in the power sector, and growing impatience of political parties due to uncertainty in lifting the ban on political activities may result in loss of public support for the CTG. Though the government is fully aware of the above situation it appears that it is somewhat puzzled as to what is to be done to find some way to avert the impending danger.

In an import-based economy it is extremely difficult to check price-hiking effectively. However, some measures taken by CTG may bring good results. Curbing corruption is a continuous process. It appears that only this govt. is capable of punishing the powerful in the society. With more knowledgeable and trained manpower in ACC, and setting up of more special courts, we may see better performance of ACC.

With regard to reforming of political parties, the present division between reform and anti-reform groups may ultimately result in formation of new parties out of splitting-up of major parties. This may prove better for democracy. There may be more participation of people, and an atmosphere for really healthy contest may develop. There has been a remarkable improvement in governance after the establishment of CTG. With more progress in administrative reform under CTG truly good governance may be achieved.

Though the common people appear to be happy with the CTG for the time being, they are becoming restless because of two important points which may be analyzed carefully. (1) The Jamaat-e-Islami have remained untouched in the anti-graft drive (with a few exceptions here and there). It is difficult to accept that JI did not indulge in corruption during the most rapacious period of our history. JI, being a cadre-based party, should disclose where it gets the money to pay its cadres. Most of the MPs of JI were elected from the border areas, and credible reports have been received about their complicity in smuggling,

(2) Khaleda's involvement with Islami militants and corruption is becoming clearer. She should not be allowed to engage in her old black art again. By residing in cantonment she is also tarnishing the image of our patriotic armed forces.

On one occasion our law adviser stated that even weak leadership may be acceptable if strong leadership is not readily available. We are not going to compromise so easily on the question of leadership. Because of the retaliatory policy of AL and BNP the people of the country are divided. Thus strong leadership is essential. We may also remember the observation of Socrates and Plato that in a bad or perverted state rulers do not seek the good of those whom they rule. When our joint forces find relief goods from the houses and factories of former MPs and UC chairmen can we not say that Bangladesh has become a bad or perverted state in which the rulers never sought the good of the people they ruled. So, good people are needed for leading Bangladesh.

We are very concerned about the recent decision of the CTG to raise the prices of gas, electricity and fertilizer on the advise of WB. The CPD consider this as a suicidal step. We would strongly advise the government to reconsider its decision. At this stage only those decisions which are readily acceptable to the people should be taken.

A.B.M.S.Zahur is a freelance contributor to The Daily Star.