Recently Bangladesh supreme court gave a land mark ruling to abolish care take government system to hold general election in 2014. I think it's a step forward towards establishing a stronger democracy in Bangladesh. Honorable prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheik Hasina also supports the ruling.
In a protest to Supreme court's ruling, main opposition BNP and it's allies called general strike on June 5th. From a political play book perspective, BNP did what they have to do by calling the hartal. As in last two and half years of Awami League's governance, BNP hasn't find their rhythm to develop a strong political opposition. I strongly believe in coming days, BNP and it's allies will build opposition against present government solely based on this issue. And we have to see how Awami League deals with this issue politically.
Ideally, I think we do not need a un-elected caretaker government to hold elections any more. Due to our fragile democracy, we adhered to the care taker system for last five general elections. Our democracy is maturing and general public are far more aware of the situations. People can decide themselves through democratic ballot process who they want to be their leader to take nation further ahead. We saw that example in landslide victory of Bangladesh Awami League in Dec 2009 general election.
Now back to our honorable prime minister's desire to have a general election under an elected government. It's a very tough decision for her to support and I praise her to make tough decisions like this even knowing this could jeopardize the outcome of the next election. We need leaders who make long term visionary decisions for the future of the country. In the same time, it's a very hard sell to the opposition.
Sheik Hasina needs to assure the people of Bangladesh that general election under her leadership as a ruling party will be free and fair. There will be no influence from the top level of Awami leadership. One way to ensure is to make election commission independent if possible. If Sheik Hasina can take appropriate measures to ensure a free and fair election under her leadership and even if Awami Leagure doesn't get the majority in next election, people of Bangladesh will remember her contribution to the democracy of Bangladesh in years to come.
Overall, I think it's a positive sign for democracy in Bangladesh. Now let's see if our two major political parties can stay above personal interest and set an example for the world by participating in a free and fair election in 2014 under an elected government for the first time since 1991. If we can achieve that, with a fast growing and vibrant economy, Bangladesh will be ready for prime time.
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