Editorial
Welcome pledge by BNP
The ruling party and opposition must work to strengthen parliament
IN a welcome show of leadership BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, now opposition leader in parliament, has said that her party will attend parliament on the very first day and also play a constructive role onwards for the progress of the country. We believe by saying so she has struck the right chord with the public who expect to see an end to politics of confrontation and the beginning of a parliament turning into a centre of national affairs and activities. Interestingly, both the two major political parties have included some common but major problems on their election manifestos that were not solved by either of the parties when they were in power alternatively since 1991. We hope this time around, they will assist one another in removing those impediments to development. On their part, opposition lawmakers laid emphasis on discharging their duties diligently having full faith in and allegiance to Bangladesh. It is refreshing to learn that they have also pledged not to allow personal interests to affect their duties.
Khaleda Zia has also urged her party men to lead an 'honest and constructive life, shunning luxury.' Having said that, we want to believe, she has sent a clear message to the opposition MPs to perceive the level of abhorrence towards corruption in the minds of the people and also accept a new political culture that is gradually unfolding across the country. She is reported to have said that changes would be brought from the grassroots to the central levels of the party (BNP). Here again we feel she has hinted at necessary intra-party reforms.
It now remains to be seen how far and how well the opposition MPs carry out her directives concerning playing a positive role from their respective positions and supporting the government's constructive works while pointing out the wrong ones. We, at the same time, feel the government will go the extra mile in accommodating the opposition and providing them with the space they need to play their constitutional role in the JS, helping to strengthen the institution of parliament.
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