Nullifying nefarious designs

To deal with the onslaught of opposition in an election year, Bangladeshi government should strengthen its fight against communalism and neutralise the anti-progressive forces

- SHANTANU MUKHARJI

As Bangladesh entered into 53rd year of its independence (March 26), it is time to take stock of its political, economic, and social statuses. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the last 14 years, the country has strengthened its democratic roots. Yet, there is a string of challenges which Hasina is saddled with. These assume immense significance because the general elections are due within one year. The political opposition and other unfavorable forces, in the meantime, have started attacking Hasina to put her on the defensive. They also plan to create a schism between the secular and communal forces, and create a fissure between India and Bangladesh.

Any slightest flaw in Hasina’s governance is being exploited by her opponents as part of an ongoing faultfinding campaign to adversely affect her electoral chances. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main rival, has already started alleging that the current economy of Bangladesh is showing signs of a slowdown and may go the Sri Lanka way.

In the same steam, the opposition has made a major issue on Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. Forty prominent foreign nationals belonging to different spheres of activities, meanwhile, have put an advertisement in Washington Post, calling for recognition of Yunus for his seminal contribution to Bangladesh, particularly in the field of poverty alleviation. The signatories include former US President Bill Clinton and erstwhile United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, among others.