Editorial
Avoid a face-off
Ease public tension
Although the DMP has banned rally, processions and human chain beginning this morning, public mind continues to be weighed down by the prospect of an impending showdown between the two major alliances which could turn violent if the AL and BNP did not get off their high horse. This is all the more so in view of the prime minister's overtures to the opposition, which deals with at least one pre-election dispensation, to tide over the current political impasse.
Admittedly, many things remain to be clarified by the government regarding the PM's offer, and the offer may not have met the expectations of the opposition and indeed a large segment of the public, who may feel that the PM has not gone far enough. But we believe that at least it can be the starting point of a more substantive and meaningful dialogue that would address the opposition's apprehension about the conduct of the next parliamentary elections as well the constitutional caveats.
We have not as yet got the reaction of the BNP till going to press but the fact that the BNP has not dismissed it out of hand, like Jamaat, is matter of comfort.
The AL's earlier announcement of a counter programme on 25 October had compounded the matter that had already held ominous prospects with a BNP leader calling on his party workers to come armed with spears and machetes. The least the two parties can do to assuage the public mind is to avoid a face-off.
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