Editorial
Khaleda talks tough
But the call to law enforcing agencies fraught with danger
IT was a tough speech the leader of the opposition made at the Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday which, not surprisingly, was highly critical of the performance of the AL government so far. However, the main substance and the focus of her speech were on holding talks between the two parties immediately. Begum Zia reiterated her demand for a neutral government to run the next general elections and called upon the AL to implement her formula that would involve, according to her, minor constitutional amendments.
The rationale for her demand for immediate dialogue is, we believe, well founded, the BNP having met all the conditions of the AL. It has officially requested the AL for talks; it has also joined the parliament and proffered an option for an interim dispensation.
What, however, we cannot comprehend is Begum Zia repeatedly calling into question the constitutional legitimacy of the government. Our reading of the constitution cannot endorse her claim, and therefore, we feel, her call to the various law enforcing agencies to defy government orders after 27 October, is fraught with danger and a recipe for chaos. As one who had run the affairs of the state for ten years she should understand the grave implications of her call.
While we hope that the BNP would clarify the basis of its stand on the so called legitimacy of the government after 27th October, we would want the government to heed the BNP's call for immediate dialogue.
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