Can Awami League led Grand Alliance avoid the looming doom?

Current ‘Grand Alliance’ government, led by country’s most power-packed political party Awami League, came to power after a landslide victory in the 2008 general election. The first year of the new government went rather smoothly. But as time passed, years went by, situation slipped as a kid slides in a park’s newly installed slipper.

Credibility of the ‘Grand Alliance’ government is questionable; for rightful reasons. The recent surveys by newspapers and research groups revealed that the people are losing confidence in the government - both nationally and internationally.

The government has made rather controversial amendments in the constitution during the last three years, the most raging issue being withdrawal of constitutional provision of the usually three month long caretaker government. The opposing political parties and the general mass did not accept this decision. The indifference will lead the country towards anarchy.

The law and order situation has gone downhill as well. Killing without a trial, people going missing, and abuse of power by the law enforcement agencies has skyrocketed in the recent years. A journalist couple was killed brutally in their house and the people responsible for that murder has not been found yet. An important member of the primary opposition party was kidnapped from the middle of the road and the police have not been able to dig out any information about his whereabouts. Journalists are constantly being tortured by the law enforcement agencies. Recently police harassed a young woman and her parents in the Dhaka lower court premises. No strict action has been taken by the government against these brutalities.

Authorities convicted 33 leaders of Bangladesh Nationalist Party for creating unrest and torching vehicles during the recent strikes. They were sent to prison. Even though strike is a democratic right for any political party and it ensures that people get what they deserve, continuous strikes by BNP over the issue on abductions and arrest of its leaders, like this seriously injures the economy of the country.

Along with all of these issues, the public has been unsatisfied with the downgrading energy. The rate of load shedding has apparently increased more than ever. The rental and quick rental plants are not being able to cover up for the rising demand of electricity.

BNP has declared that they will not participate in the general election if the government does not establish back the caretaker government system. The indifference of the government about this issue and the disgruntled feelings of public indicate a certain chaos in the future if the government does not make a proper plan for the last one and a half year of their five year period. The government has to earn back the public confidence by any means to avoid a looming doom. The indicators show that they are least bothered about it.

This article was published last week in About Bangladesh site.