Manna: You must have got the news from that end, that we have had talks along with Tuku Bhai. Sadeque Hossain Khoka: Yes. I got a phone call a little earlier, told me about the discussions that were held with you.
M: Now the thing is that it cannot be said what will happen in the end. But it can be seen that the diplomats and the others have taken enough initiatives. K: Yes. Some of the initiatives can be seen.
M: Then again, there are changes in the perspective of the neighbours as well. I have been receiving some news. What is needed now is going to the field. I can understand your problem although I can see that you are trying. I organised a program in Suhrawardy. Now I think this program should have a continuity. Because the foreign diplomats are also emphasising on this, the opposition should be allowed to hold meetings and rallies. It should not be barred. There is a pressure on the government as well. I can do this. Let us see how far we can go. K: Actually, the leaders and activists that we have at the district and lower levels, it has been a month and a half. They are getting exhausted. Now how long can we continue this? Then again, I do not see any alternative to doing this.
M: This must continue for a few more days. Khoka Bhai, what I am trying to say is ... K: What is your opinion? We should continue this for a few more days, shouldn’t we?
M: But what I want to say for which I called you is that now there is a gray or void area here in the middle where we should get down to. By we I mean ... the position of CPB or the others is very fascinating. A lot on that side and a bit on this side. So, it means that whatever number of people we have, that will be all. Then again there are hesitations as well. But we need to get the others with us. The program I organised at Suhrawardy Udyan charged the others up quite a bit. Because public response was good. Compared to us it was good. K: We sent some of our activists.
M: Yes, yes, they went there. We communicated. On top of that, if they understand that their participation can benefit democratic movement and the participation can be much bigger. That did not happen. It happened but not to a great extent. ---
M: It seems that the prime minister has an allergy about me. She thinks that I am getting all these things done from inside. Otherwise, Dr Kamal and the citizens could not have done this. It is your Viber, that is why I am talking. Otherwise I feel scared to talk. I have been told from different places that I should be careful. If they get me in a favourable condition, then I will be in trouble. So I am trying to be a little careful. K: I would have called you up myself because we are a little hesitant and confused about our program. What should we do with this?
M: I think that the United Nations, European Union, US ambassador -- consider their words carefully -- it seems that they are trying to say something. It is now clear that a dialogue has to take place. The opposition should be given a democratic atmosphere. Violence has to stop. It is your job, you will have to do it, otherwise you will suffer. Now is this just some words? If the Indians get involved then a wind of change will blow. You cannot withdraw this. Rather you can try harder. You see, so many people have been killed by petrol bombs, but still despite all the propaganda a pro-movement pro-opposition way of thinking has developed among people. People are suffering, getting annoyed, they do not feel good. But still, people are not saying that the BNP is doing something wrong. --- K: One thing is that despite all the local and international pressure, the government is not taking any initiative for a dialogue. M: No, no, Khoka Bhai, please say what you wanted to. But your tone has to be different. You should say that you are not going to do any violence. We have been pushed to such a difficult situation. This is an illegal government. Unelected government. We are not challenging its authority. We just said that you are doing a mistake, get it corrected. That is why we are doing this movement. That too they are trying to foil. In that context, you can raise the issue of all those extra-judicial killings. Then you can say that it is a rightful movement. There is no question of backing away from this movement. This problem can be solved if the government initiates a dialogue, if it talks, this can be a realistic solution to this. Your tone should not sound that you are on the back foot. Now I am seeing the statements issued by Mr Salahuddin, these are fine. ---
M: If needed, we will tell everyone to build a social resistance. But that does not mean that you will do crossfire and kill everyone. You do not have that right either. --- K: Some districts are I think a little annoyed. Let us say that running this movement, every day a lot of work needs to be done. One man ... arrest and oppression ... staying in hideout, doing this and that, then doing activities again ... supplying this and that ... these are becoming a little ... you know ...
M: Hmm. You will not be given that easily. But if we can organise one or two big programs. There will be a breakthrough. Then you will be able to follow us and work on your own. ---
M: Let us say a procession is brought out in the university. Say, the kind of fighting that is going on outside. Two or three might fall in the fighting in the university. What can you do? But you will have shaken the government.
M: Two or three months back, I told ... You can occupy two to three halls in the university. It used to be like this once. These five halls are ours. Those three are yours. Those two are theirs. But then he told me that Chhatra Dal doesn’t have this kind of strength now. K: The students can cope up if the fight is between student groups. But if police come or university authorities come ... If things get too serious ... you know ...
M: If something big happens then the matter will change. The government is hanging on a wire. The way we are seeing the government talk, I got the idea that the government is in a real shaky position. I do not know the things that are being discussed with Kerry. That will be very vital. ---
M: Okay, let me say this one last thing. One or two people have told me, you talk to Madam. She will feel a little better. She is alone now, tell her about the situation. I do not think I will give her a call. I can talk to Shimul. If you can then please convey my greetings to her. I am not BNP man but I am fighting in the cause of democracy. l
