Editorial
Chief Adviser in Davos
Some cogent points made
At the world stage Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed has forcefully reiterated his government's commitment to holding national elections by the end of 2008. Speaking at the plenary session on the Quest for Peace and Stability at the World Economic Forum, the CA regarded the 'biggest challenge of Bangladesh' as ensuring the sustainability of the policy and institutional reforms of the caretaker government beyond the elections.
His emphasis seems to be on political and electoral reforms underpinned by an understanding reached with political parties for their ratification by the successor elected government, so that the country does not return to pre-1/11 situation of a democracy only in form rather than substance.
The Election Commission had already engaged political parties in intensive consultations over reform of the electoral process. This was to have been completed in November last year. But the EC's invitation to acting secretary general of Saifur Rahman-led faction of the BNP was promptly disputed by Delwar Hossain in the court. Stay order was given by the Honourable High Court with show cause issued on the EC. Efforts are underway to expedite the legal process so that the matter is solved one way or the other.
As for political reform, the chief adviser has already called for a dialogue with the political parties. The CA has made clear the timing of the dialogue though, saying that it should follow completion of the EC's talks with political parties, precisely with the legitimate leadership of the BNP. We understand that fixing a clear-cut set of agenda for government's talks with politicians will be facilitated when the agenda for electoral reform will have been disposed of. A draft ordinance is already in place which is likely to be given finishing touches after talks with BNP. So, the electoral reforms won't be long in coming. With that, will be paved the dialogue between the government and the political parties. They should sit with an open mind to ensure participation of all political parties in the election and a free, fair and credible election culminating in successful transition to an elected government.
The CA's reiteration of commitments has been reassuring to the nation and we believe to the outside world as well.
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