Therefore the finding of TI is not too much off the mark, (despite the honest anguish of the finance minister), recording that Bangladesh is still on the top of the list of most-corrupt countries in the world for the fourth time running! Local instinct confirms, it, time and again!

How the government plans to get out of this black hole? The measures may be disclosed at the earliest, to regain public confidence. The present regime is telling the masses that it improved the situation in many areas after taking over power three years back. Only the physical projects, which can be seen, are publicised, not the immoral and criminal sides as bribery and corrupt practices (led by the conduct of the police personnel; the criminality in tender business, the damaging of the educational institutions- the list is long and stable!).

The regulatory and implementation (and prosecution) sides are still very weak, due to political interference and indifference, and the continued presence of contaminated regulatory personnel who are not prosecuted with due publicity (the civil service will collapse!). The regime is busy planning not to rustle hostile nets during the two remaining years pending elections. Is this a win-win tactic?

Coming back to toll collectors, how to rehabilitate lakhs of them (including teenagers and drug addicts) back into the normal social and employment streams? Who would trust and employ them, once these toll wealth is spent, and job seekers are scavenging the job market? How to remove the stigma? No one is talking officially about these future problems.

The fabric of the society is virus infected. What the politicians have to offer as healers? Remember, bad politics created bad governance, and the good politicians cannot shift the responsibility to others, as the politicians rule the country through elected representatives!

There is one unpleasant, theoretical solution: send the politicians on a long holiday! This is not an unusual statement, as examples are strewn through different capitals of the world through centuries. Bangladesh is not an exception, but the point to note is that it is recurring in Dhaka at irregular intervals. How have we used the three decades usefully since gaining freedom? This is a very pertinent question the millions can ask the leaders, whom they had allowed to rule over their impoverished destinies.

The opposition is demanding change of regime. What for, considering the above points? The blind are leading the blind (and those with eyesight) in the darkness. There is no guiding light in the parliament (JS). The batteries of the political leaders cannot be recharged (limping with lame excuses). The main power supply voltage these evenings go down to 168-171V from the usual 220V (as monitored on my digital voltmeter connected 24 hours). Occasional high voltage surges and sparks by some leaders look like freaks; and results in power interruptions!

As a citizen, I feel frustrated and ashamed. Who will help us to lead a bhadra (decent) life?