Political parties and professionals welcomed the probable political dialogue between the government and the main opposition BNP to break the ongoing stalemate over holding the next general elections.
They urged the two major political parties to promote serious dialogue, a culture of respect for differences of opinion and a commitment to pluralism, factors that have been “absent” in the country’s politics since the journey of modern democracy began with the fall of HM Ershad’s military regime.
Shuvendu Sen, a teacher in Kustia, said the whole nation is eagerly waiting for the dialogue and wants to know its outcomes.
“The leaders of the two parties should enter into discussion with open minds. By doing so, it will reflect that they engage in politics for the people of the country,” he said, adding that the two leaders should be very cautious, because if dialogue fails it would be disastrous for the nation.
Raziur Rahman, a banker, said that dialogue is essential and the two leaders’ responses have been positive so far.
“If the two top leaders start discussionswith cool heads and do not look back, then a positive outcome is a must. The other point is that both the leaders do not want anyone else to intervene. So, it is in their interests to think positively about the outcome of the dialogue,” he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged on Thursday the opposition leader to engage in dialogue anywhere, inside or outside the parliament, while the general secretary of the Awami League Syed Ashraful Islam said they are planning to send a written proposal to BNP within a day or two.
Kazi Firoz Rashid, presidium member of Jatiya Party, said the discussionswill be successful “if the two parties keep an open mind.”
Firoz added: “But we think that open dialogue between the two political parties will not bring any result. It would only be possible to get a good result if the dialogue takes place behind the scenes.”
Fazle Hossain Badshah, politburo member of the Workers Party, welcomed the two parties’ positive response towards holding dialogue and said the political differences should be settled through it.
“There are no alternatives to dialogue to create an atmosphere for holding a credible and participatory election,” he said.
Nurur Rahman Selim, general secretary of the Ganotantri Party, said that the dialogue initiative is a positive landmark for the country’s politics.
Apart from holding a credible election, it is possible to settle other problems through dialogue, he said.
Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon secretary general Muhammad Zafrullah Khan said BNP should join the dialogue if its chairperson “Khaleda Zia is confident that (Awami League president) Sheikh Hasina will ultimately keep any commitments made during the dialogue.”
Awami League has repeatedly said that the next parliamentary elections would be held under its arrangement while BNP reiterated that they would not take part in elections if they arenot held under the caretaker government system.
