Combating corruption and terror

Concerned citizens continue to urge the government and politicians to rein in terror and corruption, but all in vain. Before elections, political parties make empty promises to eliminate corruption and terror if they are voted to office, but ironically both major parties of Bangladesh have risen to power several times already, and they doubled these problems each time under their rule. Each party just blames the other party for the situation, but both sides are obviously engrossed in the game of power grab, while the innocent people are caught in the middle, without any recourse. It now appears that our intelligentsia has also surrendered to the evils of corruption that is eating into the vitals of our society and destroying the democratic ideals. So, is there a solution to this problem?

When corruption permeates through every level of society through its officials and politicians, the task of confronting it is undoubtedly very, very daunting, especially when the rich and the powerful are at the helms of corruption and evils. However, when lawlessness reigns, and vices in a society become so rampant that people are forced to accept the wrong, then it becomes absolutely necessary for the suffering masses to take definitive action to establish justice. But who is to bell the cat?

It takes a few good men and women to start a mass movement to bring about changes and reforms. Our very able intellectuals and conscious citizens can act as catalysts to form an organisation of volunteers in Dhaka as a first step to initiate the process and wake up the silent majority who are victims of corruption, bribery and terror. This organisation can then expand its activity to the whole country by forming branch organisations at district and union levels with honest and determined workers. With help from all quarters, the movement will gradually gain popularity and steam, and eventually achieve success, if planned and manned properly. A journey, no matter how great, begins with a single step, and it is important to take that step.

People from all walks of life - intelligentsia, journalists, lawyers, educators, students, NGOs, diplomats in Dhaka, and Bangladeshis living abroad - all have a solemn responsibility in combating corruption, just like the international efforts to tame terrorism. Many have spoken and written a lot about the ever-engulfing corruption and lawlessness in our society, but that is not enough. NOW is the time for action . Words unmatched by actions are fruitless. All honest and patriotic citizens of Bangladesh have to ask themselves, "If not us, then who, and if not now, then when"?