The 21st century is a period of change for Bangladesh; we faltered in homework for three decades; but learnt and unlearnt many lessons. The old order changes, to yield place to the new. Let us hope we make less mistakes from now on, There are crawling and toddling stages in life--nine months were not enough.

Let 70 millions of us, Bengalee adults, become the new caretakers, replacing the old guards. It is our baby, now growing up. The seed has grown into a sapling. The formative years are sensitive and critical. The enthusiasm of youth has to be channeled correctly. We are no longer apprentices. Now is the craftsmanship phase [our traditional handicraft products are inimitable].

The elders have to use their discretion with foresight and judgment. If the head rolls, nothing is steady. Now steady progress, not slow--we wasted a lot of time choosing national priorities. Our weakness is in the top layers-inability to resist temptation, and materialistic and personal gains. The formula is simple: service before self.