For years, the political arena in Bangladesh was more like a theatre hall that featured villains killing the good guys, taking control over all their material possessions. Like zombies, we got used to seeing such dramas played over and over again. The nasty party politics in Bangladesh did not allow the good guys to feel wanted or desired; they chose to either live unnoticed as second and third class citizens or leave the country to maintain their sanity. But someone had to fill the vacuum in politics. Thus came those with either muscle or money.

The more corrupt the system became, the more it attracted people with muscle and money to seal the process. With power and no accountability for their actions, they became more powerful and dangerous. Dangerous enough to kill, grab and torture; greedy and corrupt enough to consider everything as their own. It was no wonder that soon Bangladesh sealed its fate as the most corrupt nation where almost anything could be done with the right kind of influence or money.

However, as the present turn of events in Bangladesh would dictate, miracles do happen, even when people least expect it. Some of the feared godfathers have already been arrested. More are waiting in line. Two years ago my family property in Chittagong was illegally grabbed by a front man of one such powerful character who had broken into our Khulshi compound with hundreds of terrorists. I was told by everyone that even the PM had no power over him. PM's officials behaved as if they would be burnt alive if they were to produce my complaint before her. A Divisional Commissioner advised me to negotiate directly with our nemesis.

All my letters to the then government ministers and IG remained unanswered. No one had the guts to do anything against this monster and his front man.

My only wish is that the CTG create a blueprint of measures that would discourage corrupt and evil people to ever toy with the destiny of Bangladesh. I am sure people are willing to give the CTG enough time to make that happen. They are not so thrilled about an early election or who comes to power next, but are genuinely concerned about matters that directly affect them - their life, security and peace.

The CTG of Dr. Fakhruddin must be lauded for going after the most corrupt section of the society, i.e. land grabbers, loan defaulters, thugs and murderers, etc. It must, however, be extra cautious as it leads our nation into a new path. Those who are genuinely corrupt and have soiled their hands with crimes need to do the time in prison. But those who are innocent ought to be released and treated fairly.

While election is a necessary process through which people are given the privilege to elect candidates, we have seen that it is not always the best option people have when the system is so flawed that it only allows the corrupt and evil to surface. Probably, Bangladesh needs to prepare its soil by uprooting weeds before planting the seed of democracy (through a fair election, no matter how excited citizens may feel about their right to vote). After all, no one would feel secure if the criminals come back to power.

Those of us who are closely monitoring Bangladesh from abroad cannot but be thrilled with excitement and be hopeful of the much-needed positive change.

We wish Dr. Fakhruddin and his government all success.