• Bringing the issue of separation of judiciary to the penultimate stage.
• Reorganising the Election Commission.
• Reorganising the Anti-Corruption Commission.
• Freeing government land from powerful land-grabbers.
• Taking measures to improve port facilities.
• Identifying some well-known extortionists and corrupt politicians.

However, its failures cannot be overlooked either. They include inability to control prices of some essential items and failure in resolving the power crisis.

At the start, this government felt very encouraged by the spontaneous acceptance of the common people who were totally frustrated by the failure of the elected democratic governments. Within a short time it was obvious that the work plan of the government was not prepared on a realistic basis. Thus, we see an inclusion of some over-ambitious (but certainly beneficial for the country) programs. Among them are thorough reform of the Election Commission, reform of the police department, reform of political parties, and change in the Rules of Business etc.

Though the advisers of this government are fairly experienced and capable they could not assess properly the environment and capability of our administration, for reasons best known to them. It would have been advisable for the advisers to correctly categorise the major problems in holding a free, fair and credible election.

• It is puzzling as to why the IG did not consider the points discussed below before taking decisions:
• Bureaucracy influences the formulation of policies at almost all the stages in the case of a least developed country, because of historical reasons.
• Without full cooperation of bureaucrats, particularly the top ones, the elite (political masters) are almost helpless. Unfortunately, when the question of punishment for any wrong-doing is raised, it is the politicians who bear the brunt.
• The highly politicised bureaucrats can never see both sides of an issue. They fail to identify the true need of the country. Moreover, as they concentrate more on satisfying their own needs they do not have enough time for their official work.
• Quick and effective implementations of programs needs capable hands. There is serious dearth of efficient and intelligent bureaucrats due to retirement, loss of attraction for government jobs due to less compensation as compared to private sector, and leaving of jobs by a large number of experienced and competent personnel.
• The existing personnel cannot cope with the new demands.

We are uncertain about the depth of the military's influence in the decisions of this government. Generally speaking, the military wants implementation of decisions in a straight-forward manner. In civilian administration some adjustments are needed for better implementation. Allowing even limited political activities during emergency is not a good decision. However, emergency must be lifted as early as possible.

The government must remember that the people of Bangladesh are highly conscious politically,- and love freedom. Already we have seen street demonstrations in some places.

In a developing country the need for reforms in various sectors is always there.

For carrying out reforms, time and resources are most important. Now is the proper time, resources may also be available, speed may be greater (because of non-accountability), yet we are not sure about the extent of the people's desire for reforms. Thus, it is desirable that the IG assesses the actual situation carefully.

If the election is to be held at the earliest, emergency must be lifted without further delay to enable the political parties to start political activities. Measures regarding curbing of corruption, or increase of production, or procurement of electricity, should not delay the election.

The apprehension of deterioration of law and order in case of lifting of the emergency does not appear to be well-founded, because of the strong backing of the army for the IG.

Let us hope that the IG, which has been working tirelessly and sincerely for the last 140 days, is successful in holding a free, fair and credible election in a peaceful atmosphere.

A.B.M.S. Zahur is a former joint secretary.