Hasina's sagacious stand
Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina has clarified her position on the next parliamentary election by putting greater emphasis on its being held on schedule, than her own participation in it. The AL chief wants timely election even if she is barred from it. We wholeheartedly welcome the position taken by her.
This is clearly a positive development from the individual-based politics that the country has experienced, and paid a high price for, in the last 36 years. Regrettably, the greater collective interests of the country or the party were eclipsed under crass individualism that greatly obstructed the growth of democracy. So somebody had to come out of this mode of politics dominated by personality cult.
By attaching due importance to the need for keeping the democratic process alive, and not her own political future, Sheikh Hasina has sent a message to all the political parties. She has also given her own party the opportunity to formulate its strategy in light of today's political reality. Her decision is a clear indication of the maturity she has attained as a political leader. Politics will be seen in its much wider perspective if the top leaders show the sagacity and acumen to place the party above the individual. The AL chief has certainly set an example worth emulating.
Without question, highly complex political riddles could be solved easily if the leaders sacrifice a little bit for the party's well-being. Unfortunately, our political history is not replete with such instances. The leaders should strive for the unhindered growth of democracy and the need is to rise above individual interests and take a broader view of politics.
If filling up the political vacuum is what the parties are aiming for to revive the democratic process, they have to come out of the politics which could only serve individuals and their families. Looking beyond that will indeed be a breakthrough.
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