Talking is the only way out
Any person would readily name the same two things if asked what the most pressing issues are right now in Bangladesh. The economic crisis comes first. But the second, and more perennial problem we are faced with, is the political deadlock between the two arch-rivals. In a way, such a deadlock is nothing new – it is the oldest theme in Bangladesh's nascent multiparty democratic politics. Over the span of 30 years or so, the script has remained so consistent as to have now become largely predictable.
Understandably, this rivalry becomes most intense ahead of the ultimate political showdown: the national election. The only means to resolve this impasse appears to be a dialogue between the political quarters. At any rate, this is the preferred avenue to a peaceful and constructive resolution for the civil society, foreign friends, and for the general people. But while the parties have sat down together on several occasions in the past, the outcome has always been a net-zero in terms of coming to an agreement or understanding.
The issue of a dialogue has once again come to the fore as the US pre-election assessment mission presented its five recommendations, stating that moderating rhetoric and engaging in open and substantive dialogue on key election issues, protecting freedom of expression, and ensuring an open civic space where dissent is respected can lead to credible, inclusive, participatory, and non-violent elections.
But soon after, the initiative for holding talks saw its fate pretty much sealed as the ruling Awami League's general secretary (who is also the party's spokesperson) Obaidul Quader said that dialogue may be considered only if the BNP withdraws its conditions, which include the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, dissolution of parliament, resignation of the Election Commission, and holding polls under a non-party caretaker government.
A day later, BNP came back at Quader, with the party's Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir questioning whether the government was constitutionally legitimate, suggesting that it was in power illegally by dint of the 15th amendment: "You [AL] have to prove it. I am saying you're not constitutionally legitimate."
We know only too well that when dialogue fails, confrontation becomes inevitable. And, once again, we are faced with the possibility of political violence leading up to the national election. Although the BNP has been waging protests peacefully for more than a year to press home its demand for an election under a non-partisan government, there have been warnings of tougher and more vigorous demonstrations following Durga Puja.
Obviously, our political parties are more focused on their own issues than on issues of people's interest: peace and stability. But they must realise that the country has not faced such a multifaceted crisis in the recent past – certainly not before any election since 1991, which was when we began our journey towards being a modern democracy.
There are alarming economic conditions, the Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions against Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies, visa restrictions on individuals obstructing the course of democracy, an emerging global world order, and myriad conflicting geopolitical interests that must be balanced, straddled, side-stepped, and negotiated like puddles and ditches – all this while as we hurtle towards a national election.
Unfortunately, we see political division widening at a time when national unity is of utmost importance in order for us to overcome these crises.
On that note, the arrest of Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anne, while the US election assessment team was visiting Bangladesh, will no doubt send unfavourable signals and be considered a barrier to democratic practices. It further vindicates the BNP's claim that the government is trying to hold lopsided polls by driving the opposition away from the election scene, even though AL leaders have been saying that there will be a free and fair election. The arrests of opposition leaders and the thousands of lawsuits being filed against them will surely help solidify the BNP's claim.
Against this backdrop, parties must be able to feel the pulse of the public and come forward with an attitude of accommodation towards their opponents. They must have compromise in mind. And there is no doubt that, in this regard, the ruling party's responsibility far outweighs that of the opposition. Similarly, the opposition must also come to the table with the sincere intent to strike an equitable deal. But whatever the settlement or compact or reluctant understanding, it will have to be reached through dialogue.
In an uncertain situation, the best and only choice is to talk. And if the parties fail to have constructive talks, the country will have to embrace uncertainty and chaos – neither of which we want.
Mohammad Al-Masum Molla is chief reporter at The Daily Star.