Govt trying to reform itself

Civil society members described the resignation of four advisers of the caretaker government as routine and part of reforming itself.
They however asked the government to be cautious in appointing new advisers so that they can efficiently tackle the future challenges.
The civil society members pointed out that some problems including the price hike of rice blurred the successes of the present government.
They reiterated that national elections must be held as per the timeframe announced earlier. Otherwise, it will be unfortunate for the nation, they said.
Regulatory Reforms Commission Chairman Dr Akbar Ali Khan said, "I think it is a 'routine' resignation of the four advisers. I do not think these advisers had any reservations about the government's policies."
Akbar Ali, one of the four advisers of President Iajuddin-led caretaker government who had stepped down, said, "When we resigned, we had disagreements with the then caretaker government. We thought it was not possible for that government to hold a free, fair and credible election."
He went on, "We don't want to bother about who resigns or joins the government, rather, we want to see the performance of the government." He hoped that the advisers to be inducted would help accelerate development of the country.
Elections should be held as soon as possible. It will be unfortunate for the nation if the Election Commission fails to hold the polls as per the announced roadmap, he said. "It will also be fully unconstitutional."
Akbar said, "I hope this government will succeed in its mission because it took over at a crisis moment, and will consider opinions of all on its way ahead."
Renowned economist Wahiduddin Mahmud said resignation of the four advisers show that along with political reforms, the government is also trying to reform itself.
He hoped that new advisers (to be appointed) would add momentum to government efforts to accomplish difficult tasks ahead.
Another former adviser to caretaker government, M Hafizuddin Khan, said reshuffling of the present caretaker government was long overdue.
"It is better than never," he said.
He mentioned that this government was facing many problems including food crisis and price hike of essentials. There was also no significant improvement of power situation, fertiliser crisis persisted, foreign investment came down and several jute mills were closed down. Besides, the government was embarrassed due to the remarks of one of the four advisers who have resigned, he added.
"The government should be very careful in selecting the new advisers," Hafizuddin said.
Sultana Kamal , another former adviser to caretaker government, said any one in a government is free to resign. "I cannot comment on the resignation of the four advisers as I do not know the reasons behind that."
Sultana Kamal, who is one of the four advisers who resigned from the immediate past caretaker government, said, "We resigned because we thought we could not play our due role."
Economist Atiur Rahman told The Daily Star the government should immediately announce a specific deadline to hold elections to reduce the political and economic uncertainty worsened by yesterday's resignations.
Resignation of the advisers is a direct result of high food prices, rice shortage and fertiliser crisis, he said.
The government should now step up efforts to complete preparations for polls so that the whole nation gets into an election mood, Atiur said.
Transparency International, Bangladesh, executive director Iftekharuzzaman hoped that those who become advisers now will make the government more capable and dynamic.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Administrator Syed Manzur Elahi said resignation of the advisers is not a major factor. What the government should now do is to realise the ground reality and act accordingly.
"The government can reshuffle itself any time," he said, adding the national elections should be held as per the declared timeframe.