No talk with 'terrorists'

There should not be any dialogue with those perpetuating terror by throwing petrol bombs at civilians and burning them alive, speakers told a book launch yesterday.

It is terrorism, and the government should fight it, they said.

The publication ceremony of the book titled "Constitutional Democracy- Not Death Squads Again", authored by Dr Mashiur Rahman, economic affairs adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was held in the capital's Bangladesh National Museum.

HT Imam, political affairs adviser to the PM, said, “The government will serve its full term till 2019. If you believe in democracy, you have to wait and then start discussion in the normal forum.”

Referring to the ongoing violence allegedly perpetuated by the BNP-led alliance, he said, "With whom will we sit for dialogue? With the grim reaper?"

Violence cannot be a path to democracy, he said.

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said there was no scope for the unelected people ruling in a democracy. The constitution is the main guide, so every problem must be solved following it, she added.

Terming the caretaker system "anti-constitutional", Chairman of National Human Rights Commission Dr Mizanur Rahman said that though there was no scope for its restoration, people were being burnt to death over that.

He urged the government to ensure safety of people, which "is its primary responsibility'.

He also criticised foreign diplomats. “Why do you advise the government to sit in a dialogue with those who perpetuate violence? Don't pursue a double standard.”

Chairman of Law Commission ABM Khairul Haque said any issue regarding the "unelected" caretaker government system should be dealt with following the constitution.