Political future uncertain
Where is Bangladesh heading for?
by ANWAR PARVEZ HALIM
Political parties are strained as the government-sponsored political reform is on. Signs of mismanagement are obvious in the government. The common people's sufferings from the record price hike of essential food items might just intensify in near future as some are apprehending crisis in food grains supply. Hot discussion and cold argumentation are going on and everyone is raking brains to find out where is the country heading for.
Political analysts believe that the US-India relationship has great implications when it comes to major political turmoil in Bangladesh. The US-Saudi Arabia understanding as well as the Pakistan situation will also have their impact.
The changeover in 1/11 renewed hopes of the common people. The anti-corruption drive of the government also won the people's support. But as days pass by people's enthusiasm is apparently on the decline. According to political observers, a wholesale arrest of businessmen was the first mistake of the government. In their zeal to root out corruption it has mixed up politicians and businessmen. Putting BDR as salesmen was also bound to fail. It cannot be a permanent solution. Since BDR have got their own transports and they don't have to make profit out of those sales, it is only natural that they can afford a little lower price. But the equation is different for the businessmen.
Following the crackdown businessmen are suffering from uncertainty. They are scared to invest big capital. Many are planning to go and settle abroad.
Meanwhile the conventional politics is almost non-existing. The BNP has been split in the name of reform. However the attempt to create a substitute political force through Ferdous Ahmed Qoreshy has also failed. Neither was the effort to minus Hasina and Khaleda successful. Those in the BNP and AL who are or were vocal about reform are also not free from corruption.The reform initiators also look unsure putting the reformist politicians in serious trouble.
Many see a conscious effort to make politics free of the veteran politicians who have dominated the political arena since 60s and 70s. If politics can be cleared of politicians, it will be easy for that certain quatrain to put their loyalists in the government. Many predict that reformists will be allowed to compete elections, but the 1/11 initiators will naturally try to put their 'handpicked' but honest people against them and make sure that they return winner. Otherwise the idea or 'corruption free' politics will go in vein. The foreign powers will also certify that elections as credible.
Many also forecast alliance between BNP and AL and believe that if they get together they can very well make elections meaningless. The Situation might force the army to step in.
A certain quarter in the government is reportedly favoring Muslim Jatiyatabadi and anti-India political force comprised of pro-reform BNP and Islamic parties to form the next government. The pro-India lobby is trying to bring in the secular force in power. The US-India relationship as far as establishing their influence in this region is concerned will play a vital role in shaping Bangladesh's political future.
Demand for bringing the war criminals under justice is still on. Here too the question is whether US wants it or not. US' understanding with the Pakistan-Saudi Arab lobby is crucial here. The Americans have decided to favor moderate Muslim forces and they believe it is better if Islamist parties operate within a democratic structure rather than banning them which might actually encourage extremism. However to 'save' Jamaat as a political force some top leaders might be 'sacrificed', as was the case with Golam Azam. He was given citizenship but to avoid controversy he was put in the back seat.
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