Govt firm on carrying out 3 responsibilities

The government is considering engaging with political parties to signal that it expects no obstruction from them in fulfilling three of its key responsibilities.

These responsibilities include implementing ongoing reforms, conducting trials of Awami League leaders for their alleged role in mass killings during the July uprising, and holding the next general election between this December and next June.

Sources familiar with discussions held yesterday at the Chief Adviser's Office and his official residence, Jamuna, said various political parties have reached out to advisers and other officials since news broke that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is considering resignation.

The advisers are expected to sit within a day or two to deliberate on the government's message, with options on the table including possible dialogues with all the political parties, according to the sources.

A highly placed source said Prof Yunus remains firm on his position that he should step down if the current political tension does not ease.

The chief adviser insists on having full authority to make decisions -- authority he says was assured when he took charge, according to a highly placed source.

He has also questioned the emergence of obstacles, pointing out that his government had initially received a clear mandate to pursue reforms, try Awami League leaders, and hold the general election.

Frustrated by recent political tensions, the chief adviser, during an informal discussion at Thursday's advisory council meeting, expressed his desire to resign and address the nation in a televised speech. He voiced worries over growing aspersions on his government's performance and duties.

He discussed matters related to frequent road blockades over myriad demands, reforms, and other issues.

Sources present at the meeting said that at one stage, the chief adviser suggested forming another interim government, as he wished to step down.

Yunus reiterated his government's commitment to holding what he described as the most credible election in the nation's history. However, he was concerned about the feasibility of ensuring a free and fair vote under the prevailing circumstances.

He also voiced concern that if the election were not conducted properly, the public would ultimately blame him for that.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the environment, forest, and climate change ministry, yesterday confirmed that they had a lengthy discussion after the formal meeting of the advisory council.

Speaking to reporters after a programme at Dhaka University, she said that from the beginning, the chief adviser set a timeline -- elections will take place between December and June.

"There is no scope for any deviation from that schedule on our part. Therefore, there should be no scope for having any kind of discussion on the matter. It has been repeatedly emphasised that a clear timeframe has already been given," she said.

Besides holding the election, she said, the government has the responsibility to carry out reforms and try AL leaders.

"We want to complete all these tasks through the correct process, and we seek everyone's cooperation," she said.

About the current situation, Rizwana said many groups have been blocking the streets of Dhaka for their demands every now and then since the interim government took charge.

"Part of our discussions was if we were able to address these deadlocks. This is our national duty. We have been saying for a long time that we just took charge, not the power. It'll be possible for us to carry out these duties when we get everyone's cooperation," she said.     

"We're thinking about whether we can tackle the challenges in performing the three key duties, and how; what'll happen if we can't?" the adviser said.  

Asked whether they were under any pressure, Rizwana said, "For us, the only pressure is whether we are able to perform [these duties].

"If the chief adviser has anything to say regarding these matters -- whether about the elections or other responsibilities -- you will hear it directly from him."

"If we can fulfil our responsibilities, then being in charge will remain relevant," she added.

About trials of AL leaders, Rizwana said the government has expedited the process and set up a second International Crimes Tribunal. And formal trial proceedings will begin today.

The current situation started to develop as political tensions have been escalating, driven by protests, harsh rhetoric at rallies, and social media exchanges.

The BNP has long demanded elections by December. On Thursday, it also called for a downsized advisory council with advisers Mahfuj Alam, Asif Mahmud, and Yunus's National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman removed.

Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), protesting on Wednesday, said they would not join any election under the current Election Commission, which they said was biased towards the BNP. They demanded its reconstitution, along with the resignation of Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, and Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud.

The NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami want the election only after reforms are completed and trials of AL leaders are held.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the election should take place by December.  "Bangladesh needs political stability. This is only possible through an elected government, not by unelected decision-makers," he said, according to a source present at the Officers' Address.