http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=69561
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=69561
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The Spirit of Bangladesh
Dr. N. Rabbee
San Francisco, CA
Congratulations to all Bangladeshis for successfully holding one of
the most fair and peaceful elections in South Asia. People have
spoken loud and clear by choosing the Awami League alliance to serve
the country. This is as much a victory of the peaceful execution of
democracy, as it is of Sheikh Hasina whose alliance party won a
landslide. Even though there are no fresh faces at the top, there are
new visionary leaders who have won seats in the parliament. There are
also many who have worked behind the scenes in the past two years to
help their parties re-organise. It was a crushing defeat to all who
were counting on violence and disarray. The Bangladesh army and the
Election Commission have shown much discipline and far-sightedness by
deploying a high-tech voter registration system which was pivotal to
the election success in 2008 and beyond. We are grateful to them.
The world has reacted very positively and Bangladeshis living abroad
are proud and excited. To a few observers in the international news
media, this achievement is a huge deal simply because we are
an "impoverished, Muslim country"; the election is important because
the rise of fundamentalism in Bangladesh is seen as a threat.
True, but the significance of the 2008 election is greater than that.
The men and women of Bangladesh have demanded liberty and dignity
again by participating in a democratic election where the new leaders
will be held accountable for what they promised. With this election
Bangladesh has fully embraced democracy. Now begins the crucial
journey to rapid and sustained economic development which is the
topmost priority of the new parliamentary government.
Throughout history, Bangladeshis have shown an exemplary spirit of
innovation and tolerance to their fellow beings, even in the face of
unimaginable hardships. Too long this true spirit has been hidden
under war, poverty, or corruption. At this critical time, Bangladesh
is well within the reality of eliminating dire poverty within one
generation. The new government should keep out of the way of this
force of innovation and economic/social growth in Bangladesh. But at
the same time the government must do some of the hard, but important
things it has been hired to do: remove structural poverty by helping
those who cannot afford foods, clothes, shelter or medical care;
significantly improve the law and order situation (which is
inextricably linked with economic development); continue to build
international anti-terrorism alliances so that extremism cannot take
root in the country.
Just a few years ago, India and China were described as impoverished
nations with anti-democratic societies filled with human rights
abuses. While these countries still are not perfect, they have
emerged as the key players in the world economy today. It is
incredible how people's spirit can lift a wounded nation. It is a
curious combination of a nation's dedication and hard work, as well
as the abiding commitment of its leaders. Bangladesh can also rapidly
progress in today's world economy if she stays true to her spirit of
innovation and tolerance. It will not surprise me if Bangladesh
emerges as a world leader in my lifetime.
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