Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Friday voiced cautious optimism over the main opposition’s decision to return to parliament, and said it may pave the way to dialogue between the two major political parties.
“If the BNP attends parliament, it is indeed a good piece of news. We all want it to. Hopefully there’ll be a dialogue between the two major parties now,” TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said.
He said there is no reason to be upbeat yet, as both the political blocs have continued to stick to their guns. “There’s no change in their respective positions [about how the polls will be held].”
Iftekharuzzaman said it would not be acceptable if the opposition returns to parliament only to retain its membership. “If the return means for them only to save their memberships, it won’t be acceptable for democracy. It’s not good news either,” the TIB chief said.
He said they are enjoying all the facilities as parliamentarians at the cost of the taxpayers’ money, and they need to respond to people’s aspirations.
Earlier in the day, BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Moudud Ahmed said the opposition would join the upcoming budget session of parliament.
“We’ll surely join parliament for the sake of the country’s welfare and its people’s and in our own interest, but for how long we will stay there will depend on the ruling party’s attitude,” he said.
On March 12, TIB called upon the top leaders of Awami League and BNP to shun the course of confrontation and engage in dialogue to settle their differences.
“We call upon Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Begum Khaleda Zia to pause for a moment in the spirit of our glorious independence and Liberation War, and consider implications of the confrontational, violent and aggressive political game for the people whose leaders they are, and in whose name they are involved in politics,” the TIB said in a statement on the day.
