Editorial
PM's call to opposition
Let the BNP reciprocate gesture
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's statement that her party does not hold a rigid position on the caretaker issue is a welcome attitude on the part of the ruling party to a matter of urgent national concern. Following her recent expression of view that future elections cannot be held under a caretaker system in light of a recent Supreme Court decision on it, she has now invited the opposition BNP to come forward with its formula on a resolution of the problem. As for the BNP, which has called a hartal today over the issue, its position is clear: it wants the caretaker system to stay and considers any move to scrap it as a 'conspiracy' on the part of the ruling Awami League.
We take this opportunity to reiterate the need for a thorough, purposeful discussion in Parliament of the crisis the nation now faces over the caretaker issue, particularly since in slightly over two years the country will be going to the polls again to choose a government. Since the prime minister has signalled a flexible approach to the matter at hand it is for the BNP to reciprocate the gesture. They should give the fullest chance to a process of dialogue. Political agitation on the streets was necessary at certain points of time, especially in popular struggles against dictatorship and autocracy. But when a democratically elected parliament is at work, there is absolutely no reason for political parties, who have their own lawmakers in the legislature, to ignore Parliament in favour of settling scores on the street. Such an attitude can only worsen an already confrontational situation.
Both the ruling party and the opposition must realise that their animosity toward each other is having a negative effect on citizens' lives. Let the BNP go back to the JS and present its case before the nation. And let the government and the opposition together (and government functionaries should avoid speaking out on the issue in discordant or contrary voices) settle on a formula that will revive popular confidence in democratic politics.
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