Dialogue in limbo!

Furthermore, we would like to ask, why the two leaders had to leave the country almost simultaneously, in the midst of the dialogue process, leaving the nation in a state of anxiety, guessing about which way the dialogue was heading. What is even more vexing is why were decisions not taken by the leaders to resolve the impasse and spare the countrymen the unease, after the talks were adjourned on 10th October and before their foreign sojourn, while they were still in the country? The next date fixed for talk is October 23, possibly the day before Eid. Is that not cutting it too fine? We feel that the two parties are playing hide and seek with the nation, that we are being taken for a ride. It is appropriate to suggest that it would be unwise for the BNP and the AL to take the people for granted or their patience to be unlimited.

The opposition and even some of the senior ruling party members have expressed, quite rightly too, their apprehensions at the way the talks were progressing, fixing a new date after every meeting, quite like how a judge fixes the next date of hearing. The consequence of failure to reach an agreement will be disastrous.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

We cannot but express our concern as well as exasperation and indignation at the prospect of the nation being left in a limbo with grave uncertainty staring in its face. The nation cannot suffer just because the two leaders are away from the country. We call upon the parties to take decision urgently. It should be done for the sheer love for the country and the need to avoid confrontation and violence. We are still hoping for a positive outcome of the talks.