Dhaka, April 12:

After decades of misrule, Bangladeshis hailed today moves to tackle the nation’s political dynasties, with the last prime minister under virtual house arrest and an opposition leader charged with murder.

The top opposition leader, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, was yesterday charged with the murder of four people during political unrest in October.

The military-backed authorities have forced outgoing premier Khaleda Zia to seek approval from the police before venturing out of her house in Dhaka.

Despite being under emergency rule since January, people have supported the moves by the government, saying Bangladesh needs a break from its “dynastic” past. “It’s great that the government has finally gone after the Begums,” said engineer Shahidul Islam Bacchu. “The country has paid enough for their corrupt and dynastic politics. We need a break from our past and the government should start a new beginning,” Bacchu said.

“For the first time in our history the corrupt politicians and their dynastic leaders are being hunted and punished,” said Fakhrul Islam, a development worker.

The dynasties may survive if the government fails to provide evidence to prove the charges brought against them, an analyst said. “Yes, the two ladies and their dynasties are almost dead,” said Imtiaz Ahmed, a professor of Dhaka University. “But the government needs to produce all the concrete evidences against these leaders and a road-map to democracy to win people’s hearts. Otherwise, they (the people) may make a U-turn,” he said.

Meanwhile, Awami League general secretary Abdul Jalil said Hasina has postponed her return from the US. While Jalil did not specify when, The Daily Star quoted sources as saying that Hasina might return in June or July.

Polls before end of 2008

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s interim leader said on Thursday that he hoped new elections in the South Asian nation could take place before the end of 2008. In a televised address to the nation, Fakhruddin Ahmed said he has no intention of staying in power for a day longer than necessary. — AP