Let there be peace and comfort for everyone now

The elections were held smoothly. There is no doubt that the National Parliament will go on session even though there are some issues with the two kinds of oaths taken by lawmakers. It is scheduled to start its session on March 12, and all formal procedures will be completed then. After the mass uprising that removed the previous government, the country is going through a new phase. People feel relieved because the new government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of the BNP, has begun its work. This government belongs to everyone, including those who did not vote for the winning party. About 40 percent of people did not vote, but they will still benefit from the government's efforts.

However, some violence happened after the elections. There have been clashes when former Awami League workers tried to reopen their offices in some places. The interim government had restricted the Awami League's activities, though the party itself was not banned. It remains to be seen if the new elected government will change this approach. Importantly, the Awami League did not try to disrupt the elections, which has brought relief to many worried citizens.

The new government must now take a firm stand against post-election violence. It also needs to handle rivalries within its own party.

In some areas, conflicts between groups have become more serious. The news of four people killed in clashes in Natore is very sad and painful. Normally, governments try to control firearms, but in these incidents, local traditional weapons are used freely. The new government should carefully review and issue weapons licenses. It also needs to think about regulating these home-made weapons. There seem to be many group fights in certain regions, possibly because people want to settle old political revenges after the elections.

Reports say that elections for local bodies, such as city corporations and councils, will take place during the rest of the year. The government will make the final decision on this. For now, it has appointed new administrators to some city corporations. These administrators are leaders from the ruling BNP. They should work to improve the regular functions of these bodies. For a long time, local government activities at lower levels have been weak. Citizens depend on local representatives for many services, so it would be good to have elected people at the grassroots level soon. But local elections can also increase conflicts. There is a question about whether it is wise to hold them before law and order improves enough.

Even in the last days of the interim government, law and order did not get better. Since Sheikh Hasina's government fell, mob violence has taken advantage of the situation. Mobs continued to exist and prevented real improvement in security. People lived in an environment of fear. Many cases were filed, often to pressure people and extort money. Innocent people suffered, while real criminals escaped. The new Home Minister has said that cases filed after August 5 will be reviewed carefully. Many professionals, including journalists, faced such cases in the last one and a half years, and none were resolved properly. There was unnecessary strictness on bail in some cases, while others turned into a kind of ‘business’. Justice was promised but not delivered. If the new elected government handles this properly now, it will bring relief not just to politics but to the whole society.

After the mass uprising, the interim government talked about forming a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to bring back harmony, but it did not happen—perhaps due to pressure from extreme groups. If Tarique Rahman's government now takes this step, it will earn praise internationally. Important countries have congratulated the new government for coming to power through acceptable elections. All parties want to build good relations with it. In particular, the government should work to normalise ties with India while protecting Bangladesh's interests. There is hope that India's past role will not repeat. India now seems to focus on people-centered relations rather than favouring specific parties. In this context, if a clean version of the Awami League gets a chance to return, it could help balance politics—without any concessions to their criminal actions, of course.

In its first cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister rightly focused on three key issues: law and order, the commodity market, and managing the gas and electricity crisis to keep it bearable. The new government took over just before Ramadan, which made things harder. It would have been easier if elections had happened by December or within six months of the uprising. Delaying the most urgent election for stability increased disorder. Even doable reforms did not progress much, and the July Charter reforms were delayed. Now the government must focus on law and order, prices, and energy. Real improvement in these areas will take time, but people want to see sincerity from the start.

It will soon become clear how well the interim government left the economy. Relief in the commodity market was less this Ramadan than last time. People will blame the elected government less for this. They will give the new leaders some time during this honeymoon period, despite hardships. But because the unstable situation after the uprising lasted so long, patience may run out sooner.

The BNP has experience running the government, and several people from past BNP cabinets are in this one or in advisory roles. Everyone hopes that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, guided by their wisdom in his first elected term, will do well. His parents led the country before, and there is belief he will carry on that legacy successfully. This idea also brings some comfort.

People do not want miracles. They know the ruling party's limits in governing well and understand the difficult situation left by the interim period after Sheikh Hasina. They do not expect quick fixes, but they do want stability in key areas to feel peaceful. Without peace, there can be no optimism. People will work with energy only when they feel secure. The private sector needs strengthening for the economy to recover. There must be a plan to stop extortion and create a safe environment. Energy supply needs proper management, or factories and homes will suffer. Parliament will sit soon, and people want to hear serious discussions on these urgent issues there. They want Parliament to work effectively.

Writer: Hasan Mamun: Journalist, Columnist

The column was published in the print and online editions of The Daily Samakal and has been rewritten for the English version by Mohammed Humayun Kabir, Senior Sub-Editor.