CTG's job
Going by media reports, it seems the caretaker government is looking for a way out to freeing our two former prime ministers from incarceration. Call it anti-climax!
When the Fakhruddin administration took over, we sighed relief. Of its numerous corrective measures, anti-corruption drive that exposed the shameful misdeeds of many of the 'illustrious' politicians and bureaucrats was widely credited. We were genuinely glad to see them docked in courts. People silently suffer the price spiral of foodstuff and basic necessities, globalisation being benefit of doubt, simply because they do not want a return of the politics of hooliganism.
But we silently watched, too, a dithering to vigorously employ the legal instruments against the former prime ministers, accused of corruption and plundering of national wealth. Remember when the administration pathetically wished them to go into self-exile? That they did not but the speed and fervour with which they were charged took a sluggish turn. Their parties are now demanding their release. It now seems to be on the caretakers' card too.
Different explanations speak for the palpable inaction, or the possible release of the former prime ministers. Political necessities, pressure groups, etc., but one that is most probable is the caretakers' wish to see themselves unscathed at the end of their innings. Naturally, compromise overtakes all other considerations; we are back to square one!
As a nation, we are an unfortunate lot. Let's be honest about it. Our post-independent politicians are bizarrely capable of lying, and are experts in siphoning off national resources with impunity. All in the name of democracy, of course, with no dearth of solemn trips to holy places. Ministers in civilized countries resign and retire to private life when their integrity is questioned, a naval chief in the US committed suicide over unauthorized use of a simple medal. The immediate past finance minister and chief whip saw their sons jailed for looting national assets, land grabbing, and assorted vices, but looking at their activities, we know clearly that 'shame' is a word they are gleefully unfamiliar with.
To the caretaker governmentplease do not put us down. The world looks down upon us as big-time thugs. Hard truth. This is perhaps the last chance for us to bring to book the now-fallen high-ups and save whatever image we are left with in the outside world. We are aware that there is no simple fix to the mess, we know that there will be orchestrated street demonstrations and violence, but you ought to be resolute and decisive.
Time is critical. It requires you to be tough. Don't watch silently the mumbo jumbo of so-called leaders of the past regimes who had molested the entire nation repeatedly, or let go unchallenged the fanatics who disrupt peace over the proposed changes in the inheritance law. Bring down the hammer. And you will make history.
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