Editorial
The talks conundrum
Games that our leaders play with us
WITH Khaleda Zia categorically ruling out the possibility of any talks with a "killer administration" the prospect of a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the present crisis comes to an end. We can now fearfully look at a nightmarish scenario of further hartals, street violence and burning of vehicles with the attending possibility of deaths of party activists and innocent bystanders. We are not even mentioning the loss in working hours, productivity, export, school time for kids and the total chaos in examination schedules. These are the "gifts" the two leaders are giving us.
Though it was the BNP chief who finally called it quits the actual responsibility must lie with the government and the ruling Awami League. There has never been any serious offer of talks from their side. What we heard were half hearted, off the cuff, vague and ritualistic uttering like "we are ready for talks anytime, anywhere," etc.
The fact is now clear upon us that our economy and our total governance process face a most crucial test. Just when the global community was looking upon Bangladesh as a country with enormous economic prospects our two biggest political parties have started a do-or-die quarrel which is seriously damaging that prospect. What perhaps is most depressing is that neither are a least bit disturbed that they are destroying the very country they had pledged to protect and serve.
On Saturday Syed Ashraf, the AL secretary general, once again said that AL was ready for talks if the "interim government" consists of elected people and not any non-partisan neutral individuals. Compared to his previous statements this has the merit of having some substance, though some may term it too little too late. But saying it in some public meeting or seminar is not the same thing as inviting the BNP, formally, to a dialogue. What prevents Syed Ashraf from saying the same thing through a formal letter with specific date, time and venue mentioned? The opposition would then be obliged to respond. Even if it chooses not to, that would itself constitute a reply, giving the public a chance to judge who is sincere and who is not, about a genuine attempt to solve a problem that is causing sleepless nights for us all.
We suggest that AL should give a formal invitation for talks in line with Ashraf's latest statement in spite of the BNP chief's position.
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