'Is Khaleda-Hasina talks at all possible?'
Mr Editor, I write in connection with your editorial comment of January 5, 2003 entitled, "Is Khaleda-Hasina talks at all possible"? I know that any proposal for a meeting between the two leaders of the two main parties of the country seems to excite the imagination of many people. Some people seem to hold the view that a meeting between the two ladies holds the key to all our ills. These wide-eyed people seem to feel that just get them to meet and talk and all the problems of the country will disappear like magic.
I was disappointed to note from the editorial mentioned above that you seem to have fallen a victim of such a simplistic notion. Of course the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition should meet to discuss national issues of public interest. Yes, they should meet as often as possible and necessary, in the parliament and outside the parliament. But right now, what are the critical issues that need prior attention? Without attending to these issues any such meeting would provide a pleasant photo opportunity but would not be very meaningful.
First and foremost, the rule of law must be restored. Supremacy of the Constitution must be reestablished. I hope you will agree with me and indeed with millions of our compatriots, that when the orders of the Supreme Court are not obeyed and when the basic principles of the Constitution are disregarded, the government has deviated from the path of lawful governance. Court orders are being flouted regularly and deliberately. The basic rights of citizens to life, liberty and property are being trampled underfoot. No one seems to be accountable for the deliberate torture and death of innocent citizens. The country is being ruled by force. Under these circumstances, what should be the subject of discussion between the two leaders? Is the rule of law or adherence to the Constitution negotiable?
Secondly, the deliberate repression against the opposition leaders and activists must stop. There is no provision in the Constitution that electoral victory gives the winning side the right to persecute the Opposition at will, even by flouting the orders of the highest court.
Thirdly, killing of innocent citizens in government custody without any lawful authority must stop. Such deaths are clearly homicide for which the guilty must be punished under the country's criminal law.
Unless these basic issues are addressed and resolved, what is there to talk about? These are absolute pre-conditions of a lawful government. Should the Leader of the Opposition plead with the Prime Minister to restore the rule of law, obey the provisions of the Constitution and enforce the criminal and civil laws of the country? Mr Editor, these are the duties of the head of the government. There is no scope for any talks on these non-negotiable issues. Let certain fundamental conditions -- the restoration of the rule of law, adherence to the Constitution, and an end to harassment and violence against the opposition -- be met and I am sure the entire nation will wholeheartedly support the proposals for meetings between Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina on issues of national concern. Key issues such as the restoration of law and order, an economic recovery programme and reforming the administration and the education system could all be tackled more effectively in the context of a meaningful dialogue.
However, call for a meeting under the existing circumstances is not only premature but somewhat naïve.
Shah AMS Kibria is former Finance Minister of Awami League government
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