What do I tell you?

Through Priscilla, Saleem Samad, Mamun and Kabir, you have managed to send out very strong signals to all those potential trouble makers out there, while at the same time, managing to keep the opposition at bay. Oh yes, this 'image' thing we always talk about -- don't worry -- it wasn't really that bright to start with so how much worse could it get? After all, we continue to remain the ONLY democratic Muslim country in the world, right -- so let's just keep flogging that horse for what it's worth, or until it drops dead. By the way, am I imagining this or have the number of heart attacks suddenly declined? I DO hope it's the latter.

My daughter: I should explain that my daughter expects to graduate in May this year from a North American university (BBA, Economics). I imagine there are many, many other Bangladeshi boys and girls who too face this rather dim prospect -- for in the post 9/11 USA, jobs are hard to come by, internships are rare and the only option to returning home is washing dishes or filling up cars in a petrol station. As I say this I am trying to work out the rate of return on an US education, and am forced to conclude, that at least in the short-run, this rate is pretty much the same as that of a similar education in Bangladesh, i.e. not particularly spectacular.

There is always the possibility that the US (world) economy will get back on track 'soon' to reverse a trend that in fact began well before 9/11 -- I am talking about the recession of course. That however, will require a miracle -- which for the time being seems unlikely. That need not prevent us from praying for one though.

As we continue to utter our prayers in silence, we should bear in mind that the most likely medium term scenario is one of deepening recession as the world plunges into further uncertainty as the result of an oil shock set off by the invasion of Iraq (to be launched some time soon). If the instability in Iraq spills over into neighbouring countries (no reason why it would not), we could well be in for a long and hot summer of discontent. A nuclear North Korea will not help matters much while noisy South Asians will continue to rant and rave at each other using fairly identical idiomatic expressions, as it were. Under the circumstances, dear daughter, I would strongly advise you to return to your dear motherland post haste, as they say -- but WITH your degree please! Let the Americans wash their own dirty dishes for a change.

To our sons out there I would say: Tread carefully, wear your beard 'correctly' and have an occasional drink (and be seen to having that drink!) -- just to prove that you are a moderate, liberated, Muslim (under the circumstances, I think God would understand). Oh, and DO consider coming back before the American dream turns into a nightmare.

ADAB: Yes, that's right! Drag it down into the mire (level playing field?) and get even. That's what it's all about right? Or am I missing something here? Ah, I see. So it is really about PRINCIPLES and IDEOLOGY you say? Yes, we know exactly what you mean. These look like the same PRINCIPLES that were so helpful in bringing down GSS, for example; or those that led to the arrest of Professor Mamun and Shahriar Kabir. Just one question though: How do you suppose this is going to help target the hardcore poor, or even the moderate poor for whom you shed a daily tear? I am certain you have the answer -- DO let us know at some stage.

In the meantime, I have this sudden vision of a domino effect emanating from the ADAB fiasco, resulting in similar polarisation across the board, in e.g. the various chambers of commerce, the Chittagong or Noakhali Association, the St. Joseph's Old Boys Association or even the NGO credit groups and samitis -- and all because of a few bloated egos!

RAJUK: Don't WORRY so! I know times are a little difficult -- what with all these nosy civil society bodies mushrooming all over the place. I mean here is this luscious real estate buried under the Gulshan Lake and desperately needing OUR unmitigated attention. But the moment that we so much as even go near it, all hell breaks loose. There is no justice anymore. Oh for THOSE days when life was simple and fun; when no one dared to ask us questions; when there was no Wetland Law nor any irritating High Court order! Tell you what though -- why don't you chaps remove the Raj for Rajdhani and try to transfer your considerable expertise in wetland development, e.g. to the Mekong Basin?

The ruling party: You guys must be SO happy. You have survived the bombs of Mymensingh as well as the brickbats thrown at you by the world media. Admittedly, there were a few anxious moments, but after all is said and done, the dust seems to have settled and things are almost back to normal: the two foreign journalists were able to celebrate Christmas with their family and friends; through Priscilla, Saleem Samad, Mamun and Kabir, you have managed to send out very strong signals to all those potential trouble makers out there, while at the same time, managing to keep the opposition at bay. Oh yes, this 'image' thing we always talk about -- don't worry -- it wasn't really that bright to start with so how much worse could it get? After all, we continue to remain the ONLY democratic Muslim country in the world, right -- so let's just keep flogging that horse for what it's worth, or until it drops dead. By the way, am I imagining this or have the number of heart attacks suddenly declined? I DO hope it's the latter.

The right wing press: Watch out for false prophets! The day of reckoning is nigh. By the way, why don't your guys have you own 'independent' commission to identify, try and execute the Mymensingh bombers? Doesn't it sound like fun? For one thing, you can then bring out the REAL hatchets that you never remembered to bury.

The moderate press: Carefully consider terminating columns like this one before WE get accused of being subversive.

Sheikh Hasina: I seem to remember vaguely that you wanted to retire at 55? You must be almost there by now? Or perhaps you have changed your mind?

Madam: I would prefer to talk to you when you are back in the opposition sometime this century.

The boss: Please bear with me a little longer -- thanks.

Dr K A S Murshid is an economist and Research Director, BIDS.