Sections of people, strained under uncertainties over an impending political gridlock, apparently breathed a sigh of relief after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her address to the nation last night, called for an all-party poll-time government.
The Dhaka Tribune talked to several people of different professions immediately after the address and most of them welcomed the PM’s proposal. They hoped that the opposition would respond to the PM’s proposal and transition of power will be done through a free, fair and credible election held in a peaceful manner.
They said all political problems should be solved through discussion, not through violent activities, giving an opportunity to clear the of cloud anxiety looming over the nation as the ruling and the opposition party called rallies on October 25, marking the end of the current government’s tenure.
However, most of them urged that the government should create a congenial atmosphere so that the opposition would feel free for negotiations.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her address proposed an all-party government, and urged the opposition party to propose names of their leaders to be a part of the poll-time interim government.
“This is a good proposal. I think the opposition should respond to the PM and raise their points if they have any differences,” said Abdur Razzak, a shopkeeper at Mirpur 11 kitchen market.
He said the government and the opposition should think about the interest of the masses before taking any decision.
“Whenever there is volatile political situation, we, small scale traders are the worst sufferers. We don’t want any more political tension,” he said.
Nazrul Islam Rony, president of Bangladesh Teachers’ Association, welcomed the PM’s proposal for an all-party government. “There is no denying that this is a good proposal but all these things should be done through consensus of the two parties,” he said.
He, however, said the government should not oppress the opposition leaders in the coming days and only then an environment of trust will be created.
Shamima Akhter, an M Ed student at Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research also thought the PM’s proposal to be a good one, but she was confused over how the opposition would respond.
“There is a question about the head of the all-party government. However, this is a good move and now if the opposition comes up with counter proposals, we will have a good election,” she said.
Kallan Das, a senior official at a private Bank, said the proposal was good but pointed out a congenial environment was needed for it to work.
“We read in the newspaper that law enforcement officials had cordoned the BNP central office. When the PM is urging for consensus, such an attitude will not bring any good result,” he said.
He said both parties should be positive so that people will not suffer.
Alamgir Hossain, a rickshaw puller, thought now the opposition should respond to put the country in the right direction.
“During any political chaos, we have to lead the most risky lives. We just want the government and the opposition to create a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
