The truth is: the only path by which Islamists can succeed is exactly the path the League had chased them down. But will it be enough now that the League is history? Only time and the wisdom -- or lack thereof -- of the other political parties will tell.
There can be no mercy for those who were involved in enforced disappearances or extrajudicial killings. They must be brought to justice. Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to their victims.
The BNP has an opportunity now to define itself and set the direction of the country for years to come. But it must present itself as the party of the ordinary Bangladeshi, and especially those from 35-60 who will shape the country's immediate future.
We all want greater women's representation in the political process. But it is not clear that quotas are the best way to achieve this noble goal.