Author: Editorial
Publication: Free Press Journal
Date: April 20, 2007
URL: http://www.samachar.com/features/200407-editorial.html
It is the season of the Begums in our immediate
neighbourhood. And one might add some serious deal-making too. The Bangladesh
armed forces, the real power behind the civilian caretaker government, have
undertaken a massive cleansing process rather seriously. All power to them
in their laudable objective.
In deciding to clamp down on the corruption
and criminality of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the caretaker regime
has pushed its limited agenda further. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader
and her two sons were apprehended by the authorities some days ago on charges
of corruption and cronyism. Begum Zia found herself in a corner.
When presented solid evidence of accepting
slush funds from a Dacca businessman, she crumbled. And in order to save her
sons from any harm she signed up on the dotted line. She was now headed for
Saudi Arabia where she can live in the lap of luxury, putting to use some
of the illicit funds salted away abroad. And, hopefully, pray for forgiveness
for her sins committed against the people of Bangladesh.
The fate of the other Begum from Bangladesh
was no better. The leader of the Awami League and former prime minister, Sheikh
Hasina Wajed, finds her return to her country from the USA blocked by the
caretaker regime. She stands charged with the murder of four political workers
during street protests organized by her party. She was all set to return when
the caretaker regime announced that if she landed on the Bangladeshi soil
she would find herself in prison. Discretion being better part of valour,
she had now decided to put off her return till conditions improved.
But the question that needs to be asked is
whether the conditions for ordinary Bangladeshis will ever improve, and, if
yes, when. By all accounts, currently the caretaker regime, and the armed
forces backing it, enjoy tremendous public goodwill. Ordinary people are happy
at the eclipse of the two constantly quarrelling Begums.
A semblance of accountability in the administration
has returned after a long time. The old and discredited political structures
created by the two Begums are being pulled down bit by bit. Yet, it will be
a while before a new leadership is able to replace them.
Of course, it is not desirable that the caretaker
regime should indefinitely stay in power. It must create conditions for the
return of true democracy. Admittedly, the armed forces have not yet come out
in the open. One would keep one's fingers crossed and wait for them to deliver
on the promise to hold a fresh election by the end of 2008 to usher in a new
era of representative civilian rule in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, a Pakistani Begum too is making
headlines. The reported deal between Benazir Bhutto and the beleaguered Pak
General Pervez Musharaff is set to end her exile.
Though there is some confusion over the terms
of the agreement, there is no denying that it is motivated by the private
interests of both parties. General Musharaff is keen on extending his lien
on the President's office for another five years while Bhutto is keen on taking
charge of her fast dwindling support-base at home.
How things pans out after she is back to lead
her Pakistan's Peoples'Party is not clear. But the internal situation in Pakistan
cannot remain unchanged with Bhutto manning the barricades in Islamabad and
the General Musharaff trying hard to stave off opposition from within the
army and outside against his continuance in office.
