Now despite holding absolute majority Khaleda Zia prefers to continue as the head of an alliance government. How far the strategy will be ultimately successful only time will prove. So far we do not see much of a success of her government. Inspite of holding majority the government is showing weakness both in taking decisions and implementing decisions or declarations. We see these weaknesses in case of handling the incidences of terrorism, Ahmadiya community's appeal and emergence of Islami zealots. It is generally believed now that the democratic forces are facing danger from anti democratic forces. They say that things were better even under dictatorial regimes of Zia or Ershad. This is unfortunate for a country which sacrificed around three million lives for establishing a secular democratic state.

There should not be any hesitation to admit that Hindu community in Bangladesh made a great sacrifice in achieving independence of the country. Though things appeared quite congenial for the Hindus during the early years of independence, it is now alleged that there have been repressions against them in certain rural areas.

Thus it may not be quite true to say that Awami League cared much for the minority communities. However, in finding lapse of Awami League government of that period we must also consider that the government was extremely occupied in rehabilitation and reconstruction work.

BNP is regarded as a moderate political party. Though the present government have given some attention to freedom fighters and non-resident Bangladeshis they have not yet shown enough strength to control repression on minorities. In formulating a policy we may bear in mind that Bangladesh is not only moderate Muslim state it is also multi racial and multi-cultural state. We are living with followers of others religions for hundreds of years. Together we fought against the Mughals, British rule and Pakistani military rule. Thus our attitude should naturally be secular. However, existence of some zealots is poisoning the environment. The success of fundamentalists depends on lesser level of modern education and economic development. Government may think of using the media for pursuing the necessity for and importance of holding secular attitude. In doing so they must be careful about handling religious sensitivity. The alliance government may start such thing provided that the other parties of the alliance agree to such arrangement.

The Rakhains though originally hail from Myanmar are living in Bangladesh for more than two hundred years. We are glad that the present government is trying to improve relation with Myanmar. On the other hand India is seriously striving hard to obtain gas from Myanmar through Bangladesh territory. Bangladesh has agreed to this Indo-Myanmar move in principle.

Kuakata has a good potential to become a tourist spot in Bangladesh. If the government can encourage the Rakhains to develop economically and stop the grabbers of Rakhain property from achieving their end and give full assurance and security to these few thousand Rakhains then it will not only bring economic gains but will help improve the image of Bangladesh as a moderate Islamic country with secular outlook. As Rakhains are Buddhists the Buddhists in Bangladesh will feel more secured. Good treatment to Rakhains will have salutary effect even on Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Population wise Bangladesh is the third largest Islamic country. In achieving its independence its non-Muslim population not only cooperated they made sacrifice both directly or indirectly. It would be nothing short of an injustice if they are not given fair treatment. The incidents like attempt of capturing mosques of Ahmadiya or burning houses of Hindu community or grabbing the ancestral property of Rakhains do not brighten the image of Bangladesh nor it can help strengthen the Muslim Umma.

Bangladesh needs huge foreign investment. Foreign investors will feel attracted only when we can assure them of a peaceful atmosphere. It is a wrong policy to put all blames for political restlessness on the opposition, particularly Awami League. With little effort but with sincerity the government can improve the situation in Kuakata where infrastructural development will attract huge number of national and international tourists. Importance of Kuakata will increase with the operation of new road from Cox's Bazar to Yangon. If the gas deal of Myanmar and India is successful with Bangladesh, then more tourists from Myanmar will visit Bangladesh on their way to India. We hope the government will seriously and promptly look into the problems of Rakhains and develop Kuakata as a prime tourist spot in the country.

ABMS Zahur is a retired Joint Secretary.