In Bangladesh the present Awami League government will be completing its one year in office, since it was sworn in on January 6,2009 . Dr Asif Nazrul , a Professor of Law from Dhaka University and a political analyst , reviews the performance of the government.
He says while amidst immense hurdles the achievements have been praiseworthy , the government is yet to fulfill its electoral pledges. Professor Nazrul praises the changed image of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who seems to be increasingly restraining herself from the criticism of the opposition. The major achievements of the government include formation of the parliamentary committees, giving floor to the opposition and despite the parliament boycott of the opposition, Prime Minister’s commitment to uphold democratic institutions and institutions of accountability is a welcome move.
Professor Asif Nazrul, in his review, also criticizes Awami League led government for extra-judicial killings, for failure to withdraw cases of the opposition and for being not strong enough in bargaining with India or voicing their concern about Tipamukh Dam. He, however, added that the previous Awami League government in 1996 has gained substantially in its negotiations with India and that role should not be abandoned.
Professor Asif Nazrul recognized that Awami League has many adversaries and the government is working amidst several odds and from that context the government probably has been successful but the government should focus on fulfilling its own agenda of brining in change.