The decline and fall (in contrast to the periodic rise and fall) of the AL empire would not be a surprise to many uninterested observers (sterile leadership). Its 'half-life' is being reduced by unimaginative leadership lacking foresight and judgement. The party has retreated into a black hole, projecting a negative image to the people. First empathy, then sympathy.

Politics of agitation will not attract serious young blood to political careers. The top is static, and needs ventilation, for change of air (dynamism). No incoming individual wishes to be involved in agitation and demonstration all his life. He has to produce and demonstrate some solid output for inviting confidence from the surrounding community. Politics also needs relaxed periods for retrospection and image building.

Chasing others should not become a full-time preoccupation, bordering on monomania. The current political culture has a drugging effect on the participants. Party stability cannot come without personal and subjective stability, and self-confidence to survive without an agenda involving others. There is too much dependence on vested groups, and schemes, transparent and otherwise.

Watch a political leader today in Dhaka: he is too busy, too noisy, too abrasive, and is a source of nuisance to others who have apolitical preoccupations. Live and let live. There is too much free advice floating around. Perspective focus and relevancy are accorded lower priority, for temporary gains.

The party is concentrating for about a decade on its powerful opponent, and there is hardly any energy or plan spent on strengthening the party base for future anchoring or smooth sailing. It is not yet rudderless, but the captain has to be watched for the orders of the day (command performance).

The usual order of priorities for ensuring a healthy life of an institution are (generally speaking) along these guidelines: 1) long-term strategy for survival, growth, and development; (ii) consolidation, pruning (gardening), updating (keeping up with the times; in other words adaptation to topical changes); and iii) tackling competition (in a healthy, positive manner).

The end product is to provide better services and/or products with economical cost of politicking. The mass appeal is fickle, as the majority and the ordinary minds cannot analyze. The current local political culture is passing through a crisis of negative phase. The party which can bring about a change to a healthy trend will be the winner. The task is sensitive, complex, slow and reactive.

It is not the name of the party which matters, but the quality of the new emerging leadership. The later choice has no options!