Thursday, February 8, 2007

The Jan. 25 news story "Bangladesh Military Accused of Stalling on Elections" contained broad judgments that are a trifle unfair.

What really happened leading up to Jan. 11 was that the political turmoil had reached the point that it had brought civic life to a standstill. It had devastated the socioeconomic fabric of Bangladesh. Chaos was reigning. Conditions were ripe for the country to become a breeding ground of extremism and terrorism. The world could not afford an ungovernable entity of the size of Bangladesh (145 million people), with all the negative implications.

The Jan. 11 emergency proclamation pulled the country back from the brink of disaster. The declaration was within the framework of Bangladesh's constitution. Subsequent governmental actions have been on a constitutional track. The proclamation has had overwhelming support from the armed forces, a business community battered by continuous strikes and from Bangladeshi civil society.

It is understood that the caretaker government that assumed office after Jan. 11 has a responsibility different from others before it. Unless it can successfully undertake reforms, some of which are structural, it will not be able to create the level playing field that is a prerequisite for holding a free, fair and credible election with the participation of candidates from all major political parties.

Meanwhile, throughout the country, life has bounced back to normal.

The vibrancy of the Bangladeshi pluralist ethos is evident everywhere. If the caretaker government is given time to discharge its responsibilities, a genuine democratic spirit guiding this huge nation's destiny in consonance with the aspirations of the people may thrive.

SHEIKH MOHAMMED BELAL

Minister (Political)

Embassy of Bangladesh

Washington