With the entire nation preparing for the constituent assembly elections, it is only natural for the development of some sectors to be temporarily neglected. But in the manifestos of the major parties, the economic agenda and development are prominent.
Without financial prosperity, and together with it proper education, decent health services and gender and ethnic equality, there will be no lasting peace. If these conditions do not exist then people will lose interest in politics.
It has been five decades since the nation embarked on the path of development. During this time, the country has received uncountable amounts of foreign aid but none of it has been properly utilised. We are still in the grip of poverty and unemployment. Sixty percent of our yearly budget is dependent upon foreign aid, industrialisation has been minimal.
In the new political context, the most important point must be economic development. More employment opportunities, a safe environment to live independently, clean politics with a capable leadership, and proportionally inclusive participation are essential for this to happen. If we do not throw away this opportunity then the nation will leap forward not just politically but economically, socially, educationally, technically and culturally.