President's address to parliament
PRESIDENT Abdul Hamid's address to the inaugural session of the 10th Jatiya Sangsad in which he urged the election-boycotting parties to help democracy through dialogue is welcome. He also asked those parties to shun communal and terrorist organisations' company and extend cooperation to enhance country's image.
As expected the president's speech reflected the government's view on most political issues, because it was basically drafted by the government of the day. He mainly read out a set speech according to the rules.
So, one is hardly surprised at his passing the onus on the parties that had shunned the election to reach a consensus with the government, to resolve the political crisis rather than placing it on the government.
The president has given thumping support to all of the government policies, but then, as the head of the state he was obliged to critique the government where it was found necessary.
The flexibility that the president had in 1996 to be able to modify a government-drafted speech as he deemed fit should be restored with the president enjoying some autonomy to reflect his own views where needed.
The people at this juncture still hoped that his speech would give a sense of direction, which unfortunately is missing.
After all, as the head of the state and guardian of the nation, he is entitled to exercise his moral authority in times of necessity.
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