Diminished Ershad factor

But the ground situation is not that rosy. Ershad drew some sympathy in the last two elections showing his plight in the hands of victor ladies. But it should be remembered that sympathy fades with time and it is not a transferable commodity. With the joining of Ershad price level will not come down, electricity will not start flowing, corruption will not diminish, politicisation will not stop and popular wrath against dynastic game plan will not cease. In the next polls these are the priorities of people. People reject the plunderers, irrespective of their age or experience. The civil society and politicians must harp on these tunes.

The news of the former president HM Ershad joining the 4-party alliance has dominated the headlines. like it is something of great significance. Will he join or not? Will he become the next president if the alliance retains power? Will this lead to total chaos within the alliance ranks? Although very intriguing questions, the real question that we should ask ourselves is, does it really matter? The most significant changes that the election can bring are a few 'name changes' to some so-called landmarks. I guess you understand what I am trying to say. Whoever wins the election will again come to power with their so-called lawmakers who have proven over and over again, how "inept" they are in bringing any positive changes to our beloved country. Guess what the opposition will do, irrespective of who they are? You have guessed right, "Unwanted holidays". What we really need is a closer look at our rights as free citizens. We take pride in our independence but true independence will come the day we choose the right leaders definitely, a leader whose biggest agenda is to remove his tainted past might not just be the right one for our country.

So let us stop this so called frenzy and focus on something more important, or to say the least, relevant.

Azeem Choudhury, Chicago