In the backdrop of such a crucial role for civil society groups, the formation of a citizens' group to prepare a mid-term development vision for the country and launch a campaign for electing honest and competent candidates in the next general elections is indeed a very welcome move and a giant step forward. This is more so in the context of Bangladesh since this beloved land of ours has long been labouring under the wrong policies and selections of our political parties.

Though democracy came back in 1991, following a lengthy and blood-letting mass movement, it is poised to be marred as our political parties could not play their due role. It is true that the glorious role of our major political parties cannot be overlooked in the struggle against the autocratic ruler. Painfully though, they have indulged in unabated criminalization of politics instead of creating a cleaner political culture. The rot has reached such a point that an incisive and decisive move is well overdue.

Civil society members comprising enlightened and conscious people of the country had two options. One was to resign to the whims of political parties and leave the future of the state to their mercy and another was to rise to the occasion. They have opted for the one that the people of Bangladesh expected of them. This is, however, not to imply that the civil society groups are alternatives to the political leaders.

I pin high hopes on the initiative because the people within the citizens' group are not merely some well-meaning people. To be fair to them, they have already exhibited their commitment and capability in their respective fields. CPD has become a very respected research-oriented organization with almost all of its activities geared to national development while conscious citizens of the country are convinced enough as to the role of The Daily Star and The Prothom Alo in establishing media activism in Bangladesh.

However, the individuals, bodies and newspapers involved in this initiative are not the only people or bodies who are promoting the cause of national development and media activism. In fact, many others are in place and credit to all of them for their commitment. It is my firm conviction that other committed and dedicated individuals, bodies and forums will definitely supplement the move or promote the cause from their respective platforms. In fact, there is no other option left for them and the people of Bangladesh, as all of us have high stakes in the future of the country.

Many people have developed antipathy to politics because of its prevailing murky nature. When our new generations are asked about their comment about joining politics, they express instant abhorrence for it. But who will take the helm of the country if all the brilliant students shy away from politics? After all, the politicians are supposed to be at the top while taking key state policies and decisions. Such a pessimistic thinking on the part of our new generation will definitely risk consigning the future of the country to the incompetent people who already loom large on the horizon. However, it is we who will have to create a supportive environment for them, replacing the current one.

Actually, there is ample room for all conscious individuals and groups to engage in politics designed to serve the country without being engaged in party politics. I think Editor Mahfuz Anam has rightly remarked in the citizens' group floating dialogue that: "It is possible for anybody to get involved in the political process without engaging in party politics." Shedding the escapist and pessimistic attitude can be key in this regard.

Without relishing in mere politics-bashing, we can hit hard at the ones who criminalize our politics. It is high time we all pulled our own shares. Professor Yunus in the dialogue remarked: "We have to take preparations from now on for resisting corrupt and incompetent people from entering the next parliament." In view of our prevailing political ambience, his anticipation is an alarming one, as he added: "If the corrupt and incompetent candidates get the chance to enter the next parliament, the level of corruption will reach such a stage that violence and unrest in the society will go beyond control."

He, however, very rightly observed that the corrupt and incompetent ones could be defeated if all the citizens become aware. He has also come out with a formula as a remedy. In his formula, Yunus suggested the launch of a citizens' movement in the name of "honest candidate movement" or "competent candidate movement." The people of Bangladesh who have fought against the overbearing British, the tyrannical Pakistanis, and the unjust dictators have shown a fair amount of resilience at the call of time. Never did they shrink back. Our country has no doubt reached another critical juncture of history.

The people of Bangladesh are already fed up with the callous activities of our political parties. They are raring to have a change for the better. I believe the people will not fail in being comrades in the fight against dishonest and incompetent people.

Justice Habibur Rahman's confidence expressed in the dialogue in getting a large number of companions in the race just launched won't remain a mere optimism for long. The people just cannot remain bogged down in the quagmire of political bankruptcy. Believe me! We will soon come across a resilient Bangladesh.

Kazi SM Khasrul Alam Quddusi Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, University of Chittagong.