They must reflect why they (the majority) project a negative image to the informed citizens. They are being imitated by new generation aspirants. The current political culture needs deep analysis and shake-up, if we expect a healthy political culture to be re-introduced in this tightly-packed nation.

They have to discard their false super-ego and over-confidence, and cultivate humility. Hate campaigns are absolutely not acceptable. There is a false notion about constructive analysis and criticism. The diplomatic language is forgotten, and the main objective is to criticise the opponents all the time, as if there were no other issues on the agenda of the political parties and the regime. Today the whole nation is artificially divided, remembering the cultural homogeneity in society.

There is no peer-level stance, once the election campaign is over. This is hypocrisy at its best. A queer message comes through: "The law applies to others, not to us"! Most of the evils we see today is a result of this nefarious attitude which is cultivated right, left and at the centre.

Why the leaders talk down to the people and the opponents? The physical gestures at public meetings betray their motivation. Why so many unholy body postures? The tone is emotional, passionate and polarised. There are no signs of an open mind. Closed and half-closed minds cannot run a country. Adjustment, tolerance, patience are part of the game. The cosmetic effect projected through crude propaganda is democratic, but the poise is autocratic (zamindari). The feudal system is still deeply entrenched into our subconscious, judging by the high cost of doing politics in this country. Who can afford to enter politics in these days of 'political business'? Patriotism is nobody's 'business' but everybody's goal.

The percentage of real, dedicated, genuine aspirants is less than one per cent. Then how the leaders represent the masses? Election have no meaning when the cost of being elected is so high. How many committees and commissions have been engaged officially and informally to solve this basic problem of governance?

We overlook the roots and like to prance on the branches. We create new problems, and are not interested in finished products. We got a national assignment after 1971, and we are still tinkering with it. We are, in a sense, 'black' smiths! Water evaporates into steam/vapour and offers purified water fit for drinking. Our politics is so hard and solid that we cannot evaporate and purify it! Is that the reason we are so proud of our political stands? Bend with the wind, the wise say, and rise to offer the harvest.

Flag-waving is a popular pastime, but where are the end products (search for three decades)? Our leaders are not being original this is the pattern in the third world of DCs and LDCs. The emerging leadership is swallowing water to keep afloat. They run the ship of the state or we miserable citizens try to pile up the rescued?

Our sermonisers hardly smile in public; scowling all the time, fighting imaginary mosquito bites (slapping themselves). Political sprayers are working overtime, to deny the right to dissent. The fight for elbow room in the arena (of gladiators), is endless. The Dhaka amphitheatre is becoming world famous for cultivating the art of non-productivity in political affairs.

This phlegmatic disposition is taking the nation on a suicidal path (if not civil war). Naturally, an artless minority in the society's leadership is trying to launch a third platform. The coming months, it appears, are going to be a turning point in Bangladesh politics.

A change is better than no change.