Dialogue and the art of compromise

It's frustrating that nothing fruitful came from the dialogue between Awami League, which leads the ruling 14-party coalition, and Dr Kamal Hossain-led Jatiya Oikyafront on Thursday although the whole nation awaited a solution to the current political stalemate in the run-up to the parliamentary elections. Apparently, no party was willing to make concessions. And there has been no announcement about a follow-up to the dialogue either.

I think political leaders, of all people, should know that compromise is an important part of how democracy functions. It may pave the way out of the most difficult situations. Although our leaders frequently proclaim that the country is more important than a party—and a party is more important than its leader(s)—they often tend to forget that.

We, the general people, expect a peaceful solution out of the current political crisis. But this will not be possible if the political parties stick to their guns and refuse to engage each other with an open mind. Our democracy is clearly in a vulnerable state. Compromise and respect for democratic values among the political leaders can set our democracy on a healthier path and indeed help organise a credible and inclusive election which everyone wants.