A visionless government
The current caretaker government's (CTG) popularity took a nosedive over the past few months. Unnecessary interference in political matters, negative attitude towards political institutions, and soaring prices of goods and services were the main reasons for this much of depreciation in its popularity:
Failed 'Minus Two' Formula and 'Reforms' -- The CTG failed continuously to carry out its 'Minus Two' formula. After failing to keep the chiefs of the Awami League and the BNP out of the country, the government tried the 'reforms' strategy. There were some tactical errors in the government's ideology of "Minus Two" and "Reforms". The CTG tried to emphasise too much on the 'Minus Two' formula, via the so-called 'reformists'. On the other hand, it wasted its time and efforts protecting these 'reformists'.
The government took a while to understand the sentiments of political activists, in both the camps. Without question, the top two leaders' charismatic identity still puts them well ahead of other leaders in their respective parties. Therefore, 'Anti-Hasina/Anti-Khaleda' group succumbed to the 'Pro-Hasina/Pro-Khaleda' groups. Today, the government not only destroyed the political career of these 'reformists' but also, made the two leaders stars for their non-compromising stance.
It is a big shame that despite the overwhelming public support, no genuine reforms took place.
The Election Commission's (EC) role--The role of the EC on the issue of inviting a certain faction of the BNP was a very costly mistake. After all, one wrong decision questions the rightness of others. The EC could well have avoided the problem by not dragging itself into an intra-party feud. Today, this hard-working EC is on the wrong side of people's book.
High Inflation-- the CTG tried to control market as they did with political parties. They played too much game in the market and it is the market's turn to play game with them. There is no country in the world where its law enforcing agencies run after the market with batons, to control prices. The government's decision to deploy BDR in the market was a note from cartoons. Lack of successful supply side policies is one of the main reasons for this high rate of inflation. The government should consider long-term solutions like commodity exchange system, income efficient policies and building a highly productive labour market.
Finally, the CTG should lay more emphasis on its main agenda- holding an election.
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