CTG in limbo
I was in a foreign capital when 9/11 occurred. I got many encouraging phones and emails from relatives and friends, that the situation has changed, the country is back to the right track and the atmosphere is congenial for normal life. Like all homesick Bengalees, I shortened my stay and returned. The army backed government of eleven educated people was running in full steam. Law and order was normal, no hartal , no agitation even the road discipline improved. The only problem the government faced was slowing down of economic activities. We took it as the teething period and hoped for improvement in no time. The government reformed some public institutions like ACC, PSC and EC. Many corrupt businessmen and politicians were detained and harrowing stories of corruption were unearthed. Even a state minister in charge of the home ministry was reported to have hushed up a murder case in lieu of crores of taka. Stacked up money was recovered from most unlikely places like mattresses/pillows.
In the mean time, due to mismanagement and other factors prices of essentials spiralled causing immense suffering to the people. But none complained hoping for better governance and peace in future.
Unfortunately, the dreams of Bangladeshis were shattered in less than 18 months' time as we witness the gradual return to a chaotic situation. The ACC working with the task force got a big jolt when most of the corruption suspects were returning to public life with renewed strength. Though no case is disproved, these corrupt people are not only coming out of their dubious medical hideouts, but they are also showing victory signals and organising demonstrations ignoring dwindling emergency provisions. But in the recent past jute mill workers were mercilessly beaten when they came to the street to demand their rightful dues.
People are now in a state of complete bewilderment. The government came with so much promise. Will they leave without any tangible results? They find no solace from reformed institutions even. The straightforward chief of the ACC does not look as confident as he was a few months back. The PSC also could not show any improvement. The EC has already made itself controversial by mishandling many issues.
The CTG should concentrate on holding a free and fair election and hand over power. People are getting tired of seeing failures of the present govt.
Comments