Senior ministers of the government once again urged the opposition leader to join the dialogue shunning the path of vandalism and anarchy to resolve the ongoing political crisis.
They also voiced concern that an opportunist quarter is trying to take advantage of the complicated political situation.
“Shrewd people are trying to fish in troubled water,” said Communications Minister Obaidul Quader. When asked for clarification he pointed his finger at the third force outside the two major political parties.
The minister made the statement on the latest political situation from his office saying there was no option but to hold the election to resolve the crisis.
The door for dialogue is always open. The dialogue will be held if the opposition responds positively, he said adding that vandalism and violence should be stopped as dialogue and violence could not go together.
Home Minister MK Alamgir blamed the BNP-led 18-party alliance for the deaths of 11 people during the 60-hour hartal.
“The government is investigating the deaths of those people and stern action will be taken against those involved in the murders of innocent people,” the minister told reporters at his office in the secretariat.
Calling on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to join dialogue by withdrawing hartal, the minister also said the opposition should take part in the dialogue leaving vandalism and anarchy.
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu in a press conference at the Press Information Department said, If the opposition does not attend the dialogue the government will take decision on the polls-time cabinet after consulting with the president, higher court, party forum and leaders of the ruling alliance.
When asked if any one-sided election be acceptable the minister said the election must be held in line with the constitution.
Calling upon BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to join the dialogue Inu said, “If you fail to ride the train of dialogue, you will miss the train of election and democracy. The opposition leader will have to go to Pakistan riding on the Jamaat and Hefazat’s train. She will have to decide which train she will board.”
