Sans talks, violence may spin out of control: NYT
Without an immediate genuine dialogue between Awami League and BNP, the prevailing violence in Bangladesh may “spin out of control,” US-based daily The New York Times says.
In an editorial published in its print edition yesterday, the daily blamed both opposition BNP and ruling Awami League for the prevailing political violence in the country.
“Unless both parties take immediate steps to pull back from entrenched positions, restrain violence and embark on a genuine dialogue to restore legitimacy to Bangladesh’s troubled democracy, the wave of violence engulfing the country risks spinning out of control.”
At least 69 people have died in the political violence that spiraled from the start of this year. Among them, 44 people who had no link to politics were killed in arson attacks.
All began with the first anniversary of January 5 elections last month. With BNP planning to mark the occasion “black day”, the government intervened and exercised force.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was held confined in her office. BNP’s rally was stopped. Thousands of opposition activists were detained throughout the country.
In retaliation, the BNP sponsored a nonstop countrywide blockade from January 6 that is in effect until now. It wants talks for a fresh inclusive election under nonpartisan body.
“While perpetrators of violence need to be arrested and punished, Hasina’s hard line is only adding fuel to the fire. She seems bent on neutralising her opponents,” the NYT said.
“The Bangladesh National Party must rein in its violent base and sever ties with the Jamaat-e-Islami party and its street-power tactics.”
“But Hasina’s government must also hold accountable security forces guilty of abuses. The government must invite the opposition to negotiate electoral reform and a return to the democratic process.”
The future of Bangladesh’s democracy in the balance, it concluded.
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