However, it appears that the AL has been unable to take advantage of this political gift apparently bestowed to them unexpectedly. It is certain that the government of Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed is the darling of neither the AL nor the BNP.

It is also not sure at this stage what role this government will play with regard to Nagorik Shakti. The way things are moving, the Nagorik is unlikely to get any favours or deals from this government, since it is committed to creating a level playing field for the next election.

Although the emergency rule has given a huge boost to the AL as a single entity (as against a leading partner of the grand alliance), one may ask why this party is failing to take full advantage of BNP's present day disintegration nationally and locally?

I am afraid, I must say, that the AL has been bewildered by the current political environment, and has its own worry about the criminal wing, although it is now clear that AL is no match for the BNP.

It was in the media in recent days that the AL is contemplating about bringing reforms in the party. At last the high command has realised that the party, although having a strong grass-roots network has, unfortunately, not been coordinated at the upper level. It is now clear that a major rift exists among the leaders at national level. Why? One can detect at least five reasons for this:

One, the AL has certainly damaged its reputation in the secular camp of this nation due to its generosity towards Khilafat. The party has lost the huge support of the middle class secular people, who now have an alternative in Nagorik Shakti. A section of the AL leaders are seemingly very disappointed with this deal.

Two, with regard to Nagorik and its leader, the AL has been pulling the wrong leg without fathoming accurately the present day political environment.

It is no secret any more that Professor Muhammad Yunus is not a fan of the president of the AL, Sheikh Hasina. It is also certain that the electorate is in no mood, at this moment, to hear any abusive or unprofessional language from any corner against the Nobel Laureate.

Three, the nomination debacle of the grand coalition led by AL is not going to go away from the minds of some leaders soon. It appears that the former president, HM Ershad, took full advantage of his market demand during the pre-January 11 politics. Unfortunately, the electorate was very unhappy with both the major coalitions for extending Jamai Adar towards HM for grabbing his support.

Four, many do not like foreign hands playing a role in our political and democratic movement. Intervention of foreign diplomats in a nation's internal affairs certainly has very bad consequences in the long run, although it may be good in the short run.

In our case, this time, it was more desirable for the nation due to the uncompromising stand taken by our leaders surrounding the general election of 2007. The western envoys led by the US did the job for the people.

Our foreign friends know it well that the BNP had been out of control in the field of corruption, and also that some leaders had been connected to the Islamists apparatus with or without the knowledge of the high command.

In the same way, the AL also failed to cultivate the trust of the foreign diplomats in Dhaka. Some of the AL leaders feel the absence of SAMS Kibria hugely at this hour.

Five, last but not the least, the AL has been depending on too heavily on its old guard. While these leaders had been very strong and dedicated during the war of liberation, unfortunately, the majority of them are now either suffering from ill health, or have lost touch. These leaders refuse to go for retirement, and do not want to accept that they had their turn. This, in turn, made the AL weak at the mid-level.

In view of the above, certainly, the reform initiative is a welcome sign for a strong come-back. To take full advantage of the emergency rule, the AL should engage more time in dismantling its corrupt and criminal elements.

The time has come to take lessons from the immediate past government led by BNP. This party, which is now on the run, had ruled the nation for almost half of its existence.

Having said that, it would be wise for the AL to get prepared for the polls, whenever they take place. The party must keep its eyes and ears wide open on the movements of their hopefuls in this season of shifting allegiance.

Certainly, Nagorik will make attempts to recruit the young and the bright from all persuasions. One must remember that a corporate leader-turned-politician has no time to create good politicians who are likely to be driven by ideology, overnight. However, he can create opportunities for the bright and the best without hesitation.

This is politics, 21st century style, in the era of globalization. The AL must come to terms with this, and must forget the days of vote banks and historical allegiance.

I am afraid that the truth is, the days of politics with right and left is over. Nowadays, politics is technology and information driven in both democratic and not so democratic countries alike. Whether we like it or not, Professor Muhammad Yunus has the upper hand in both.

The only advantage that one can still see for Sheikh Hasina is her party's solid grassroots network. It is possible to utilise this in her favour by welcoming Professor Yunus in the ring. She risks being identified as a not so modern-day leader if she keeps making negative noises in the ring.

One must remember that, against all odds, the nation has doubled its literacy rate over the last thirty-five years. This made the citizens in towns and villages less emotional, and keen to lead a western way of life (individualism?).

The proof is that the AL failed to generate genuine people power after the incident of August 21, 2004, when the nation witnessed helplessly how the party had been unjustly persecuted, with its enemies attempting to wipe it out from the map of Bangladesh.

Reform within a party such as the AL is overdue, and I am sure that the well-wishers of this party have become ecstatic on hearing this news.

Dr Moazzem Hossain is a freelance contributor to The Daily Star.