Dialogue <i>sans</i> Hasina not acceptable

Speakers at an open discussion yesterday said the ongoing dialogue and upcoming election would not be acceptable without the participation of Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina.
They said there is still confusion in people's mind about the holding of election as credibility of the present caretaker government has come down to a zero level.
The open discussion titled 'Dialogue and Sheikh Hasina' was organised by Muktijuddho O Muktochinta Kendra at the National Press Club in the city.
Prof Muntasir Mamun of Dhaka University said leaders of different political parties raised the issue of political reforms to save their wealth and avoid arrest.
He criticised the political leaders saying that they are used to live a comfortable life and afraid of going to jail.
He urged all to go for movement to achieve their objectives.
Bahauddin Chowdhury, a language movement veteran, said dialogue without Sheikh Hasina would not be meaningful and successful.
He said Hasina would not get justice in the special court.
Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique said this government has lost its credibility as there is still confusion about the election.
Terming Hasina an honest politician, he said her participation in the dialogue is an imperative to make it fruitful. "Without Hasina's participation election would not be credible," he added.
Dr Anwar Hossein, general secretary of Dhaka University Teachers' Association, urged AL leaders to launch movement to free Hasina.
Presiding over the discussion Abdul Latif Siddique, a central committee member of AL, urged the government to ensure Hasina's participation in the dialogue and election.