BNP warns of strife over caretaker govt

Khaleda Zia and  Sheikh Hasina

By Mizan Rahman/Dhaka

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) yesterday pushed for an amicable dialogue over a caretaker government to manage elections, stating that there is still time to avoid violence.

“We hope the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will take the initiative to reach an understanding over holding the next election under a non-party government or else, violence is inevitable. We think good sense will prevail upon the government,” acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

Fakhrul was talking to reporters after a meeting with the party’s joint secretaries general and organising secretaries at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office in Dhaka.

The meeting discussed the country’s political situation, the opposition movement’s strategies to force the government to establish a caretaker government and the party’s regular organisational activities.

Fakhrul said that a constitutional crisis is likely in Bangladesh if the government fails to reach a compromise with the opposition before October 25.

“On one hand, the prime minister has said the parliament would be dissolved after October 25 and on the other Constitution experts have said the parliament will remain functional because of the 15th amendment to the Constitution. A constitutional crisis will be created if this situation prevails,” he added.

When his attention was drawn to Awami League general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam’s remark that dialogue or negotiation is not possible with the opposition, the BNP spokesman said: “Ashraf has always been saying that everything can be resolved through talks. What he said yesterday (Friday) seems unusual as he makes such comment sometimes under pressure.”

“We still hope Ashraf will take the initiative for dialogue like he said earlier,” Fakhrul added.

Reacting sharply to birthday celebrations by opposition leader Khaleda Zia and her party men on National Mourning Day, Syed Ashraf on Friday said: “There’ll be no discussion with those who make merry cutting cakes on the martyrdom day of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman…is it possible to hold dialogue with them?”

Fakhrul alleged that the government had unnecessarily pushed Bangladesh towards a “dark tunnel” and created uncertainty over the election through the 15th amendment to the Constitution.

He urged the government to try to understand the pulse of people.  “The election won’t be free, fair and neutral under a partisan government. So, we urge you to arrange the polls under a non- party administration. Otherwise, we must start a protest movement.”

Fakhrul also termed the incumbent election commission an institution subservient to the government and said it cannot hold a credible and fair election.

He said the opposition would disclose its plan after meetings of party policymakers and 18-party alliance leaders scheduled to be held yesterday and today.

Meanwhile, German Ambassador in Bangladesh Dr Albrecht Conze has said dialogue between two major political parties is the only way to overcome the existing political stalemate, and a successful dialogue requires confidentiality.

“Dialogue, dialogue, and dialogue (is the only solution)…both sides have now come to the conclusion that time is ripe for an understanding about the terms of reference of an election time government. With a little bit of goodwill, it should be possible to reach such an agreement soon,” he said.

The envoy said he has observed quite a few communication problems between the two major parties — the ruling Awami League and the opposition BNP — and also within themselves.

“Successful dialogue requires confidentiality and closed doors. It can’t be held via the media.”

Cozne said Bangladesh has a young democracy, and so far, it has always gone through stormy times during elections. “The year 2013 seems to be no exception to this rule.”

He said European countries expect all stakeholders to keep moving within the framework set by the constitution.  “I’m confident that the elections will not shake Bangladesh beyond reason. As long as the Electoral Commission fully assumes its responsibilities and due process is observed in view of free, fair and inclusive elections, I see no reason for concern,” Conze said.

The envoy said trade should remain undisturbed in the interest of the people, and not again be harmed by an endless series of general strikes as earlier in the year.

Responding to another query, he said Germany needs skilled workers, and opportunities similar to the Green Card in the USA do exist.

The EU blue card offers highly educated skilled workers from non-EU states the opportunity and the right to work and stay in the European Union.

“The EU blue card for Germany is a residence title for specific purposes; it provides evidence for legal stay of a citizen from a non-EU-country in an EU- member state for the purpose of working. Bangladeshi citizens can apply for it. The respective German law has now been in force for a year, from the 1st August 2012.”