January 6, 2009 was the last day of the military backed interim government of Bangladesh as an elected political government led by Awami League President Sheikh Hasina sworn in on the day. By this process Bangladesh returned to democracy after a period of two years extra constitutional governance under a state of emergency.
Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of the nation’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was sworn in as prime minister of Bangladesh for a second time on last Tuesday following her landslide victory in December 29 general election. She was premier previously in the tenure of 1996-2001.
Mission completed
The interim government of Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed came into state power backed by military on January 11, 2007 in an unwanted chaotic political scenario while state of emergency was imposed over the country by the presidency.
On January 12, 2007, the interim government became fully functional. After taking of state power, the interim government had gone through massive reforms in Election Commission (EC), Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and other constitutional bodies and pledged to the nation to hold a credible and acceptable parliamentary election, which is the prime responsibility for an interim government as of the constitution of Bangladesh, within two years. The interim government fulfilled their main commitment and many of the mainstream media praised them for their achievements.
The biggest achievement of this government is preparation of the voter list with photographs and national identity cards for adult. Chief Advisor Fakhruddin’s government also met the long cherished demand for separation of the judiciary.
In addition, people lived around two years without political violence, strike and major social crimes as law and order was largely controlled. The anti-corruption drive that began after reconstitution of the Anti-Corruption Commission has also been appreciated.
Militant kingpins — Shaikh Abdur Rahman, Bangla Bhai and four others — were executed, which sent a message of the caretaker government's tough stance against militants.
Mission begins
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as the prime minister of the country following her alliance’s landslide victory in last week’s parliamentary polls. She will be leading a 32-member cabinet to run the state affairs for the next five years. Hasina is the fifth prime minister of the country since parliamentary democracy was restored in 1991. This is her second term in office as prime minister.
In the mean time, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Wednesday) started her first day in office after swearing-in as the head of the country's new government. Prior starting work as prime minister, she paid floral tributes at the portrait of her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and offered prayer before heading to the National Mausoleum in Savar. She also placed wreath at the mausoleum to pay homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War. From there, Hasina came straight to her office at about 10:25 in the morning. Civil bureaucrats received the new premier with flowers and they also exchanged greetings. New prime minister is scheduled to hold her first cabinet meeting at 7 in the (Wednesday) evening at her office.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her immediate reaction after swearing in as the head of the government, told the press that her government's first task was to fulfil people's hopes and aspirations. “A huge responsibility is bestowed on us and we shall try our best to meet people's expectations,” Hasina told reporters. She said they will have to improve the law and order situation and bring the prices of essentials within the purchasing capacity of the common people so that they can lead a better life. The AL chief said they will ensure smooth supply of fertilizer and other agricultural inputs to the farmers.
On the other hand, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders, who attended the oath-taking ceremony of the grand alliance cabinet at Bangabhaban, said they would extend their cooperation to the Awami League (AL)-led government if the government wanted it. They also said BNP hopes the new government would keep its pre-election promises. BNP Secretary General Delower Hossain also mentioned in a news conference that his party will play a good role in parliament if majority-party acts accordingly.
In all sense, AL has to face many things they promised. AL alone has the absolute majority in parliament. So, in coming days, people will see them that they are in the track of action that is heading to meet the pledges mentioned in election manifesto. In nutshell, AL along with the partners of grand alliance committed that they will make Bangladesh as a secular, progressive and democratic welfare state within a decade. People want to see the character of a secular, progressive and democratic government in the steps taken from the first day.
|
|
Comments:
