We, the citizens, felt embarrassed and were infuriated reading newspapers over the last couple of days. I wish all of these were a dream and we are not in the situation we are. But, we cannot hide the truth and now it is time to face it.

We innocently believed whatever our politicians said before the elections. In the name of democracy, they deceived us over and over again. They failed to carry out their electoral pledges and we forgave them time after time. We introduced ourselves as citizens of the 'most corrupt country' for five years- a taint that shall always blacken our identity. Why would we (the whole nation) take the blame for a handful of selfish people? Still we waited for better days. Today, we have seen what our state would have been if this waiting period had to continue- thanks to our patriotic armed forces and the caretaker government (CTG).

How sad it is when a home minister takes money to let a criminal get away.

How cheap it is when a leader of the opposition wants to buy MPs from the ruling party. How dirty it is when a political party wants to destabilise the economy by creating havoc in the industries sector. How unacceptable it is when NGOs agree to support a particular political platform to remove an elected government.

Today, there is no politician with self-respect who can say, "I am an honest politician."

The CTG should keep in mind that we all are behind this administration. One or two speeches from Sheikh Hasina or Khaleda Zia, carrying the phrase 'in the name of people' or 'for the people' don't reflect the majority voice.

Today we urge the CTG to remove all corrupt elements from politics, only then an acceptable election is possible. We do not want to elect the ones who looted the country in the name of development. We do not want ministers who take money from criminals. Today one shall not wait to act against the leaders who patronized corruption and terrorism. The whole country is waiting for them to be tried and I am sure the CTG along with our armed forces will not let the good work go in vain.

The people are expecting this government to rescue us from this grave situation.

The 'Winner takes all' attitude needs to be changed, and the failed system needs correction.

Reforms are necessary as 'the only thing constant in life is change.' The CTG must now focus on reforms in the parliamentary and administrative systems in the following ways:

Separate the judiciary from the executive without any delay.

The Law Commission Amendment Act of 2001 must be reformed. Laws must be approved by an independent commission before enactment.

Article 70 must be changed and MPs should be allowed to vote against their party or cross floors. (Only then the whips of parliament have some work, other than to tolerate their sons' misdeeds).

Accountability and transparency must prevail in all public institutions and strong vigilance will ensure 'check/balance' operations.

All political parties must be registered with the Election Commission.

All political parties must hold councils every 3 years (by law). Debates should be held amongst contestants seeking a party's top post. Voting must take place through secret ballots.

The business organisations (like FBCCI, DCCI, and BGMEA) must not allow any loan defaulter to be their members.

Allocate more funds for the Anti-Corruption Commission to hire efficient lawyers and carry out infrastructure development.

The nation will always remember the present CTG (along with our armed forces) for saving us from the hands of criminals masquerading as politicians.