New turn in leaders' talk initiative
The much-anticipated talks between Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia have taken a new turn following comments coming from the government, political parties and the mediator.
When an adviser to the interim government yesterday pressed that the two top leaders should take initiatives of their own for the dialogue, leaders of AL and BNP appeared to be less enthusiastic about it.
Meanwhile, acting AL General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam criticised the initiator of the planned talks, barrister Rafique-ul Huq, and the businessmen who backed him up. Ashraf said they will consider the dialogue if an invitation comes from the government itself.
BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain, on the other hand, said the planned dialogue would not yield any results since it has no goal or target yet.
HOSSAIN ZILLUR
Commerce and Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday said the two top political leaders of the country would have to take initiatives on their own for a dialogue between them.
"Sitting for a dialogue is a matter of their own concern… they have to take the initiative for it," Zillur told reporters after holding a meeting with three other advisers at the public works ministry.
"The government will facilitate their efforts," he added.
The adviser said the government has adopted a "go slow" policy regarding talks, as they want such a dialogue to be fruitful.
The adviser's comments came when he was asked about the government efforts towards a probable dialogue between Hasina and Khaleda.
He added the two leaders should sit for talks keeping in mind the expectations of the general people.
Zillur, who is mediating the ongoing dialogue between the government and the political parties, said they were discussing with all segments of the society on how to bring qualitative changes in politics.
Asked whether he held any talks with Hasina in New York, Zillur simply said: "The government has been holding talks with all political leaders."
Asked if the government has retreated from its move to bring the two leaders to the table, he said their efforts would continue to reflect the expectations of the general people and create an atmosphere in the country for people's confidence on both politics and the government.
Zillur, Communications Adviser Ghulam Quader, Law Adviser AF Hassan Ariff and LGRD Adviser Anwarul Iqbal discussed at length the country's latest political situation at the communications ministry yesterday.
Zillur said, "Our ultimate aim is to hold a meaningful election with participation of all, make qualitative changes in politics, ensure post-election stability and economic prosperity."
“We have achieved two important goals -- announcement of the election schedules and assurance of the political parties to take part in the polls," he said, adding all uncertainty over elections has been removed with these decisions.
Regarding post-election stability, he said he was planning to hold an all-party dialogue to reach an understanding about the matter.
He said the government is also working to create a level-playing field for all the parties in the elections.
Earlier, barrister Rafique, counsel for both Hasina and Khaleda, initiated the move to organise a meeting between the two leaders at a neutral venue. Later the interim administration requested him to persuade them to sit for talks with the government.
Rafique also talked to the two former prime ministers over telephone and both responded positively to holding the talks.
The commerce adviser said on September 11 the government has taken steps to bring political arch rivals Hasina and Khaleda to sit for talks with each other to create an atmosphere of trust in the country and to help the nation out of the prevailing political crisis.
BARRISTER RAFIQUE AND ASHRAF
Barrister Rafique has said he will not bog down by the comments of the AL acting general secretary about his effort regarding the dialogue.
"My proposal for a dialogue between the two top leaders is aimed at ending political uncertainty and a change in the country's politics, not to hear any nonsense comments," Huq said while talking to The Daily Star yesterday.
His reactions came after the AL leader asked the senior lawyer and the businesspersons to mind their own business and not meddle with politics.
"Interestingly, businessmen and a senior lawyer are showing interests to bring the two leaders to a table since we haven't yet received any formal invitation from anyone about it. So I would advise them to engage in their own business and not to interfere with politics," Ashraf said.
Talking to reporters after a meeting with deputy British high commissioner Duncan Norman at his Nam flats residence in the capital, he said the court is not a place for political compromise.
Huq termed his comments unexpected but said such comments from such a person are not unexpected. "I didn't talk to the man. Even I don't know him. I have talked to Hasina," he noted.
The eminent lawyer said there would always be some "wicked" persons put in place to utter such comments.
Earlier on September 9, Barrister Rafique, who defends both the former premiers in courts, suggested that they sit across the table for the interest of the country and democracy. Later he showed his interest to mediate the dialogue if the government wants.
Following that, the country's apex business body Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Annisul Huq also expressed similar interest.
Ashraf said obviously his party would consider the two-leader dialogue only after they get an official invitation letter.
Expressing doubts over the government initiative to bring the two leaders to a table, he said, "If the government wants such a dialogue, they should do ground work. They should hold a dialogue behind the scenes."
Ashraf termed the government's opposition on a bail prayer in favour of Hasina at the High Court in an extortion case filed by businessman Noor Ali a "naked interference on the court".
DELWAR
Delwar said the government will have to make its position clear about the planned dialogue. "There is official statement in this regard. We don't know the plan and agenda of the dialogue."
The BNP leader said they would make comment in this regard after knowing about it. "But we are in favour of holding dialogues among political parties for the greater interests of the country."
Released through an executive order on July 11, Hasina is currently in the US for treatment and is expected to return home in the first week of October.
On the other hand, Khaleda was released from jail on September 11 following bail in all four graft cases against her.
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