Reform is the buzzword in recent political debates in Bangladesh.
The state of emergency imposed in the country refrains people from active politics. But talks are being held at the party levels to cleanse (from corruption) and reform the politics in Bangladesh and establishing democracy within the parties. Rumi of In the Middle of Nowhere claims [1] it is happening apparently under the direction and patronage of the people enforcing the state of emergency.
An ordinary citizen lauds [2] the Election Commission's statement that “there will be no dialogue (for preparations of the upcoming election) before reform of the political parties”.
So what forms of reform people are talking about? Rumi has details [1]:
It mostly proposes removal of current leader by imposing a term limit, establishment of a joint leadership, implementation of accounting transparency etc.
Angelmorn criticizes [3] the alleged minus two formula which deducts both the leaders of AL & BNP, the two major rivals, who are blamed for the current situation.
Its a National Debate now on whether the Two Ladies (ex Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia) of our country should give thought to retiring. Suddenly it seems that everyone in Awami League and Bangladesh National Party want a fresh face to lead them.
Shall we let Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina retire from politics without questioning them for their past activities ?
The looming storm is the battle of the Two Ladies with their reformist colleagues within their parties.
Dhaka Shohor slams [4] a reform proposal by Suranjit Sen Gupta, a senior leader of Awami League labeling it a Pepsi or Coke situation.
He seems content to transfer us from a Prime Ministerial dictatorship into a Presidential one without a hint of “checks and balances”.
Suddenly every major parties are coming up with reform proposals for their respective parties. Angelmorn wonders [5]:
What surprises me and all is although “In house” politics is all banned from the day State of Emergency was declared and yes which still seems to be ongoing, not many seem opt to be following it.
Rumi says [6]:
What is being shown like a reform strategy for now, is, in my opinion, is a shrewd exit starategy. This government ….know very well that their back skin is very much vulnerable if AL or BNP under current leadership returns to power. And they do not want to make the mistake of handing over power to any of these parties.
There are widespread speculations about what is to happen in near future in the political arena. All are anxiously waiting for the overdue election which is promised sometime in the mid of next year by the incumbent Caretaker Government [7].