Dialogue key to resolving crisis

A group of foreign diplomats in Dhaka yesterday called for dialogue and compromise among rival political parties to put a quick end to the ongoing violence across the country.
Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, the newly appointed US ambassador to Bangladesh, said, "Like my colleagues, we have called for the cessation of violence."
"We are absolutely optimistic that Bangladesh and Bangladeshis have the resolve to solve the crisis. You have the blessing of the democratic space and you have vibrant press, civil society and active and resource-rich business community." 
"We have faith that Bangladeshis will use all of those resources, and all Bangladeshis will take responsibility for helping to resolve the crisis," she said while addressing a programme organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at Sonargaon Hotel. 
The US diplomat also said her country had joined with other friends of Bangladesh in expressing deep concern over the current crisis. 
"We offer condolences to the families and friends of those who have suffered from the violence that has been ongoing," she said.
At the programme, the US diplomat was joined by a large number of ambassadors, high commissioners and senior officials of the diplomatic missions and development partners.   
Benoit-Pierre Laramee, Canadian high commissioner in Dhaka, said the ongoing violence must be stopped, and there must be space for peaceful political programmes. 
The current political situation is a matter of great concern for the FBCCI and others as it is a threat to the economic development of the country, said Alexander Nikolaev, ambassador of Russia. 
"I am not in charge and don't dare to make any definition about who is responsible for the situation and whose fault it is. But I am absolutely convinced that any responsible government in any country around the world is obliged to protect its people and their businesses and economic activities," he said.
The Russian envoy also said any tolerance to the violence, extremism, terrorism and criminal killings was unacceptable. "Political and economic stability in any country is the number one obligation of any government by any course," he added. 
South Korean Ambassador Lee Yan Young said, "We hope this kind of political crisis should end through compromise and consensus among political parties as soon as possible." 
He supported the call of people, institutions and the civil society who were asking for peace and dialogue among the parties.
At least 71 people died, mostly from horrific petrol bomb attacks, as the violence broke out across the country after the government denied the BNP-led alliance permission to hold rallies on January 5.  
Police arrested hundreds of political activists and leaders belonging to the protest groups for their alleged involvement in the violence.
The ongoing blockade and associated violence have hit the economy hard, and the country is counting about Tk 2,700 crore in economic losses a day, said FBCCI President Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed. 
"Import-export trade along with shipment and commodity supply chain are all in vulnerable position due to transport disruption. Small and medium businesses have also been affected while day-labourers remained largely unemployed," he said.
"Our potential economy is now at a crossroad. Business people want a peaceful atmosphere to carry out their normal activities," said the country's top business leader. 
Shiro Sadoshima, Japanese ambassador in Dhaka, also spoke at the programme.