Editorial
Begum Zia's allegations
Alarmist words can only create confusion
With the election less than a week away, the question of atmospheric congeniality, which certainly includes avoidance of any misleading posturing by the parties and leaders concerned, is now very important for conducting the election and a smooth return to democracy. But we notice that Begum Khaleda Zia, the BNP chairperson, has been uttering some alarmist words regarding the way the election is being organised, or the government's "motive" behind it. And the Election Commission's role is what seems to worry her most.
Given Begum Zia's stature as a political leader and BNP chairperson, who was prime minister of the country for two terms in the past, people take her utterances, as they should, quite seriously. Begum Zia has expressed her concern that a conspiracy is on to bring a "puppet" government to power. While this could be, and in all likelihood is, an election posturing, albeit of the virulent kind, such an allegation can indeed cause great worries to people looking forward to a peaceful transition to democratic order.
If Begum Zia has any evidence to substantiate it, then it is her duty to reveal it to the public. And if the allegation has any substance, we must delve deep into the matter and dig out the truth. The political leaders are asking for fulfillment of all the conditions that may make the election free and fair and place it above any controversy. Begum Zia is not lagging behind anybody in this respect. And we do endorse her view that the elections must be acceptable to all and the disruptive forces, if any, be thwarted at any cost.
But what the leaders have to bear in mind is that avoidance of alarmist words and acts must also be ensured to create the ideal conditions for an election. Launching a psychological warfare against perceived enemies can only be counter-productive. And the onus here rests with the top leaders whose utterances do influence people and help mould public opinion. And even if all these are election gimmicks or preemptive acts aiming to cope with any situation that might arise in the future, we believe such tactics should be avoided.
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