Editorial
Politicians' responses to CA's address
Nation's priority is a free and fair election
THE major political parties appear to be unhappy with the contents of the recent address by the Chief Adviser. There have even been hints from some politicians that they might boycott the planned dialogue beginning May 22. In other words, the underlying tone of the parties' reaction is one of rejection. We understand their concerns, but as we have already noted, there are both positives and negatives in the CA's address and things should move along keeping such considerations in mind.
As far as the parties' responses to the CA's ideas are concerned, experience tells us that there has traditionally been a gap between posturing and actual action where handling important national issues by the parties is concerned. We hope that in the present circumstances the reaction from the parties is no more than an attempt to extract political mileage out of the situation as they prepare to discuss the election-related realities immediately ahead. Posturing in politics has certainly its own advantages. But beyond that, the more important matter is for the parties to assess the realities and arrive at a point where they will be seen to be upholding broad national interests. And they can do that by taking part in the forthcoming dialogue with the government. There are a couple of reasons why their participation in the dialogue becomes a necessity. First, the nation clearly is raring to go through free, fair and transparent elections; and, second, those elections must be held within the time frame, namely, December of this year.
It must be borne in mind that a rejection of the dialogue by the parties, particularly the major players in the league, will jeopardise the prospects for a speedy return to democracy. That obviously cannot be of benefit either to the political classes or, more significantly, to the nation. Therefore, we think that if the goal of the parties is a holding of elections, any and all obstacles in the way of a return to elected government must be overcome. That the major parties are now demanding the release of their leaders as a precondition to their participation in the dialogue is understandable. But let that not be the sole demand, for there are other issues as well the country needs to deal with and tide over. Against such a reality, we hope the parties will do their homework and ready themselves for the upcoming dialogue with the government. The points the CA raised in his speech -- doing away with black money and hartals, making parliament the centre of all issues, et al -- have a relevance that no one can ignore or deny. It is on these issues that the parties should come forth to provide a sense of future direction to the nation. They can do that job by including in their talking points all the ingredients that can strengthen democracy, ensure a corruption-free society and, overall, guarantee an economically secure Bangladesh.
Let partisan posturing not derail the planned dialogue. And let national interests override all other considerations.
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