The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has carried out a survey of 1,500 households in Dhaka city, 17 municipalities and 33 village covering 45 districts and its findings shared recently. The results of the survey reflect people's aspirations. Less than 40 percent of households are optimistic about their personal future and a mere 28.7 percent are hopeful about the country's future. While more than half are happy about children's education, we find to our utter dismay that nearly 9 out of 10 respondents have little faith in getting fair justice in the country and a mere 13 percent are optimistic about law and order.

The government should listen to people's voice and not simply brush it aside as most party in power are wont to, for it reflects both the achievements and shortfall of government interventions in various areas. We note that with the exception of education, most other important indicators did not come up to the expectation of the people, and what is clear is that people would like to see a marked improvement in the way things are being run in the country.

Ultimately it falls upon the party in power to provide its people with a sense of security, which unfortunately appears not to be the case according to respondents' replies. It is a competent administration, strict law enforcement and efficient legal system that will add to good govereance in the country. The government should conduct an internal audit to seek out the problem areas and remedy the situation, for it is to the government people look to seek solutions.