One clear indication from the Dhaka Tribune national opinion poll published yesterday is that we should not be where we are today, on the brink of an election without the main opposition party and in which 153 seats out of 300 have already been decided without a single vote being cast.
This is not what the people want. According to our poll, fully 77% say that elections without the BNP are unacceptable. This being the case, it falls on both sides to find a way to fresh elections within a reasonably short period of time.
For that to happen, both sides need to be willing to be reasonable and to act in the interests of the Bangladeshi people.
The BNP must understand that hartals and blockades are an unacceptable imposition on the general public and not the way to negotiate. Peaceful means of pressing their case will not only be more effective, but will be popular with the voters, too. They must renounce violence.
The AL must respond in kind. All senior BNP leaders and any political prisoners must be released. BNP and other opposition parties must be given full democratic space and freedom, and the AL must commit itself to new elections, acceptable to all, as soon as practicable.
Both sides need to commit to meeting and negotiating in earnest on the form and structure for the next elections.
The AL must not hide behind legalities and tactics to defer inclusive elections, and the BNP must let the ordinary mass of citizens get on with their lives without fear or hindrance and not hold the economy hostage.