The current government can be their role model. Its time for us to chase out those politicians who have run the country to the ground in the last 36 years, who stole from the people rather than give them what they wanted.

People no longer trust them. Indeed, we can't afford giving them another chance. John F. Kennedy once said: "Don't ask what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country." Giving is also receiving. Yet it seems that our corrupt politicians did not honour this adage. That's why they have landed in jail, and honest non-politicians are running the country better than ever.

If honest individuals don't join our political system, history will likely repeat itself. We will go backward again. Future generations will suffer due to our cowardice, and our unwillingness to take responsibility for our country. The upside of taking the chance is a bright future for the young generation as well as the country. They will remember you as their hero, and you will be able to say that you did the best you could.

Your act will encourage others to come forward, and they will be able to bring more to the pot. Together, we will create a positive environment in our politics and send strong signals to corrupt politicians. The current government has already belled the cat. Indeed, the difficult part has been done; we just have to follow their footsteps. In turn, they will likely help us out.

We have to put aside our fears, skepticism, and individual priorities, and put our country's future at the forefront. We must offer our services to the current administration. We all have something to offer. People from all strata have to step up; journalists, lawyers, teachers, businessmen, students, law enforcement individuals, and Bangladeshis living overseas, all have to contribute more than ever to our country's future.

Time is of the essence here; the current government has done the ground-work but they have a long way to go. We have to strengthen their hands; we have to work with them any way we can; support them wholeheartedly when they do something right, and offer them constructive criticism, too, when they make mistakes.

We should help them catch corrupt individuals and keep prices of essential goods down. We should offer our services to produce more electricity, and we also have to learn how to use electricity efficiently.

These efforts will help make our economy stronger. We should welcome foreign investors and show the expatriates that the situation has improved, so they could return and offer their expertise. Let's give credit where it is due. And remember, we are all doing this for a bright future for our future generation as well as for ourselves.

It's not going to be easy but if we don't try how would we know? The adage "no risk no gain" might be pertinent. We want a better future for our young generation, but what are we willing to sacrifice to achieve it? Better future will not ring our doorbell one fine day; we'll have to work for it. Our future generations will not forgive us if we don't fulfill our obligations; our failure will be a bad example. They may remind us that we haven't done our share, so why do we expect them to do theirs.

Indeed, we have two alternatives -- we can step up, taking the country forward; or we can do nothing and allow corrupt individuals to destroy the country. We know the consequences of the second option. Indeed, we have run out of excuses.

Time is up; we can no longer toss out excuses such as this is not the right time, or the political environment is not suitable. Most likely this is the right time; it may not get any better. Besides, the opportunity may be fleeting.

This is our golden opportunity. Please look around. Things look much better; people are happier and more optimistic, and the law and order situation is improving. There will likely be a positive impact on our economy. Indeed we have nothing to lose and every thing to gain.

Let's do whatever it takes to protect our country; we shall not hand it over to those who will ruin it. Let's say good-bye to the old and usher in the new; let's take ownership. Let's remember that we have everything to win and nothing to lose.

A. Baten is a freelance contributor to The Daily Star.