Editorial
No agreement, only talks
Political future continues to be uncertain
TWO telephone calls from John Kerry, US Secretary for State and Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General, to our Prime Minister clearly demonstrate what a matter of serious concern Bangladesh's internal political situation has become to the international community. Both calls referred to the War Crimes Trial and the recent violence.
This was in addition to the hectic shuttling by UN envoy Mr. Taranco for the past several days. His only success was to bring the two sides to start the dialogue.
Opposition BNP's demands like releasing their jailed leaders, reopening of the party's central office, allowing them to hold political programmes including rallies, street processions sound reasonable. Equally pressing are the ruling AL's demands that the opposition should withdraw blockades, hartals and attendant vandalism including arson attacks on vehicles.
However, the government's continued incarceration of BNP leaders has made it look more and more oppressive and dictatorial.
We must warn both sides that they seem to be oblivious of how disgusted people are of their present political activities and how badly they are suffering due to the violence.
While the UN was able to start the dialogue we insist that it must be earnestly followed and a compromise reached for the sake of the people and the country.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments