The Maoists had been fighting the centre since 1996, the conflict costing close to 13,000 lives. And they may soon be a part of the interim government. As Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala told parliament, it was indeed a day of reconciliation among all the political parties and the people.

What attracts one's attention in the new dispensation in Nepal is that not only have the rebels join the parliament, some marginalised groups and civil society activists are also to become members of the parliament as a part of the Maoist share of parliament seats.

Situation in Nepal has moved quickly since the king was stripped of his powers early last year. And we cannot help but suggest that the political developments in Nepal in the last twelve months have some relevance to us in Bangladesh. We cannot but notice the sense of compromise that was displayed by both the 7-party alliance and the Maoists after having joined the common cause of overthrowing the government of King Ganyendra.

The give and take attitude and the positive psyche of the parties to relent from stated positions for the sake of peace and future of the country have helped Nepal to transit from a very volatile situation of a year ago to an environment shorn of conflict and discord.

There is still some way to go before election is held and a new constitution is drawn up, but we wish the people of Nepal well in their march towards democracy, development and peace.