Editorial
Coming together of the two
There is need to articulate alternative policy options
DR. Kamal Hossain and Dr. Badruddoza Chowdhury have joined voices in calling for national unity in addressing the issues that are exerting harmful consequences on the nation's politics, economy and social fabric. Their motivation is well understood, given the political wilderness the nation finds itself in at this particular point in time.
While some might ask whether it is a precursor of an alternative political platform, some may well write the two off as being able to produce nothing more than the collective value of two tried politicians.
People are disappointed because of the pathetic performances of the two parties. Both the AL and the BNP have been driven more by partisan interests than the state's, and that too for the self-aggrandizement of only a few individuals in the party. At no other time has the need for an alternative democratic platform been more felt than now. Regrettably, their efforts in the past had been unsuccessful in spite of their good intentions.
We in this newspaper are convinced that neither the country nor democracy can thrive in the present political culture that has made the country captive to caprices, whims and mutual hatred of the two parties. Our experience shows that none of the successive governments did anything to change the culture of conflictive politics that has inevitably led to misgovernance, corruption and worsening of the rule of law.
Given their expressed intention to right the wrongs in politics, the best thing for Dr. Hossain and Dr. Chowdhury will be to articulate a common vision so that the people may judge as to what is in offer and make their choice.
Considering the political uncertainty the country is faced with, and the people left with no viable alternatives, commitment and concrete actions on the part of the two, coupled with quality alternative policy options on issues that the two parties have failed to deliver, may help add positive value to their efforts of providing suitable alternative to the voters. They would also need to demonstrate their commitment by declaring their willingness to go the whole hog despite the encumbrances that they are likely to encounter.
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