Two outstanding editorials in a Bangladeshi daily this week made me aware of the amazing similarities in the political drift of our two countries. Whether to call them striking similarities or just plain natural connection is a call one will have to eventually make.
It appears it is the turn of the sub-continent to figure on the Chinese radar screen this month. Apart from the highly sensitive and important visits of the Chinese PM to India and Pakistan, it is the turn of the Bangladeshi opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia to visit China this week.
Obviously, the importance of China in the region is enormous. And it is the endeavor of developing countries to seek outstanding relations with that country and seek economic assistance from its vast resources for development and commercial ventures. The editorial says we expect Begum Zia to shun the political differences that see her targeted by the current democratically elected government and present a picture of a vibrant, evolving Bangladesh during her visit.
Apparently just before embarking, Begum Zia demanded the Awami League government quit. Citing this as being against fundamental principles of democracy the editorial reads, Just in case anyone needs a reminder, this government, like Begum Zias earlier, was elected to a five-year term and of that tenure a full three years remain. The point here is not whether the opposition leader should be asking for change, it is one of observance of all those norms which keep democratic pluralism going. Democracy is a whole lot more than charging a government with ineptitude and asking it to quit.
The rest of the editorial reminds the opposition to play its constitutional role, emphasizing that boycotting parliament is depriving the electorate of substantial debate and influence in policy making. The principles of democracy, it says, enjoin upon all parties in parliament the responsibility of engaging in healthy academic and political debate over issues of public interest keeping the nation abreast of political developments.
The other editorial focuses on the remarks of the countrys prime minister directing her ministries to expedite work, saying that the governments, honeymoon period is over after being in power two years. People want output and will evaluate the government critically in the remaining three years of the current tenure, she says. Terming her awareness as wise, the editorial recommends awaiting the reaction to critics, as that, it believes, will actually reveal the governments mindset.
Initial euphoria, the editorial continues, the resultant poor governance, victimization and allegedly denying the opposition space in parliament has apparently lowered the governments esteem in the peoples minds, some citing that the honeymoon was over a long time ago. It is evidently Shaikh Hasinas wisdom that has quickly brought her to the conclusion that a lot still needs to be done. We have seen leaders in these parts become oblivious to realities and become completely deaf and blind so this is a turn around and one to be appreciated.
The similarities arise in context of the natural comparison with the scenario at home. The oppositions tirade continues against the incompetence of the current government without let or hindrance. Without suggesting alternatives. Worse still, playing opposition within the government, batting from both sides. Healthy academic debate thrown by the wayside.
What is needed is some restraint and simple logic. At this time Pakistan needs its foreign relations to be at their best and economic management pristine. Why? Because the war on terror, devastation of the floods and the fragile state of the economy have opened the country up to the magnifying glasses of the world at large and the donor countries.
We saw a little of that last week when Nawaz Sharif attended the banquet for the Chinese prime minister in Islamabad. This is commendable and it should not become an event, just a very natural occurrence.
Again, the governments performance is an issue that requires constant review to even begin to get it right. An unwieldy cabinet, the result of a split mandate, at all five stations has been disastrous. Maturity expected of leaders of stature would have curbed the rampant desires of members to become part of the cabinet. Instead, the majority should have been assigned roles in nation building activities. But power and pomp is a huge addiction.
The tragedy is that we have iconic leaders and the members are mostly lemmings elected through voter loyalty to party. They could and should have been controlled. Here the responsibility lies with the ultimate leadership. Even now, three years remain and this can be changed. Must be changed.
One can be sure the President has noted the sentiments of the people and the performance of governments federal and provincial. There is no denying that improvement is a dire necessity. The actions now need to be extensively and intensely proactive. Else down the line trouble brews. Perhaps, he needs to say the honeymoon is over too.
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