Editorial
Khaleda's invitation
The PM should reciprocate
Begum Khaleda Zia has invited the Prime Minister to an iftar party for political leaders on August 4. We hope the Prime Minister would seriously consider responding to the opposition leader's invitation. Given the background of personal and political bitterness between them lately ratcheted up, as everybody knows, the invitation to the PM offers an opportunity to break the ice.
Anywhere in the world, especially at the highest levels, if the leader of the opposition officially invites the head of the government, or vice versa, it would certainly be reciprocated. Courtesy begets courtesy
But that we have to write an editorial urging the PM to respond to an iftar invitation which she should be doing of her own accord without any need for persuasion is something extraordinary but perhaps unavoidable.
It says a lot.
It appears to us that a good deal of thought has gone into the making of the Khaleda's overture coming more than a week before the appointed date. There is no element of last minute rush here, and the PM has ample time to weigh the pros and cons of accepting the invitation.
Advisers might suggest to the PM that the invitation is nothing but a political stunt aimed to gain mileage over her. They could even see in this a political trap she would be better advised not to walk into. She needn't be misled. The fundamental consideration should be people's wish. We think public opinion would greatly favour a positive response from the PM, and conversely, rejection of the invitation would greatly disappoint them.
If the two leaders can meet on the Armed Forces Day why can't they meet out of their own initiatives, especially in a holy month?
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