Only a BNP-AL united stand can stem the extremist tide

We urge upon the political parties to recognise the character of the more than 20 incidents of bombings since the Udichi blasts. Except for two or three, which could be attributed to political motivations, the rest indicate the religious and extremist orientation of the perpetrators.

The activities of the religious extremists have graduated to such a scale where the state institutions are now their targets. And the only way that this phenomenon can be tackled is thorough the unified action by the two major political parties of the country. We call upon the BNP and the AL to come together to meet the challenge, unitedly and steadfastly.

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The BNP and the AL are both disposed towards a centrist policy with hardly any discernible difference in their social or economic philosophy at the macro level. They have demonstrated immensely their commitment to democracy, their inclination towards free market economy and foreign investment.

The two parties have also displayed their ability to move away from long held political positions; as we have seen of the AL, moving away from state control of the economy to private enterprises, and of the BNP changing to a parliamentary, from the presidential form, of government

Regrettably, it is for the first time in our history that a religious party has been allowed to gain firm roots in national politics and hold their sway in the administration through a political alliance, thanks to the BNP. The grip of the religious party on our politics has been made even easier by the rivalry between the two major parties. The Jamaat has reaped political mileage because of the political space the BNP-AL conflict afforded it.

The important question is how can a united stand come about? It can happen only if the two realise the negative potential of the recent developments and rise above petty party interest for the sake of larger national interest. The understanding between the SDP and the CDU in Germany should be an example of how to forge understanding on vital national issues.

We are aware that in making such a call we run the risk of being misunderstood. The AL may think it a ploy to salvage the sinking BNP while the BNP may accuse us of trying to drive a wedge in the ruling coalition

This is a crucial moment in our national history, and the consequence of being misunderstood, and which we are willing to endure, is less than the failure to point out the grave crisis facing the nation, and the need for the political parties to sink their differences at this time of grave national crisis.

The two parties must rise to the need of the time. However, the first step in the direction must surely be taken by the BNP, being the party in power. The onus is on Begum Zia.

The nation waits with bated breath and great expectation to be delivered from the abyss that it might find itself in if our political leadership and politicians fail to act.