The leader of the opposition, Khaleda Zia, on Saturday gave a called on the government to shun the “path of vengeance and confrontation” and forge national consensus by removing distrust between the two rival political camps.
“Constitutional institutions are weakened and we cannot establish good governance and justice in the country. If we work together, we can reach our expected goal and for this we need national consensus. Come, let’s give up the path of vengeance and confrontation and turn Bangladesh into a peaceful home,” she said while delivering her speech on the proposed budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year.
She pointed out that a lack of trust was the big problem in Bangladesh’s politics and as long as this distrust prevailed, elections under a political government would not be acceptable.
It is possible, she said, to reach consensus through dialogue, not through confrontation, and for this to happen it was necessary for the government to have positive intentions.
The BNP chief asked the government to take the initiative to resolve the crisis over the poll-time government, as it has the majority of seats in the parliament. “Our position regarding the elections is very clear. We will not take part in any elections under a partisan government.”
“Ruling party men are saying the election will be held under the government and the prime minister will remain in office. These sort of illogical and adamant statements will not solve the problem. I am asking the government to take the necessary initiative, to form a neutral non-partisan poll-time government.”
Khaleda Zia reiterated that there is no alternative except to hold the next elections under a non-partisan interim government.
Grameen Bank
Regarding Grameen Bank, Khaleda Zia criticised the government for interfering with the bank on different occasions, and extended her support to Nobel laureate, Muhammad Yunus.
“We were stunned when the government-made commission suggested splitting up Grameen Bank into 19 parts. The government has taken vengeful actions against Grameen Bank, which plays an important role in the empowerment of women in the country. We strongly oppose this.”
Khaleda also alleged that the government is now hatching a conspiracy to destroy Grameen Bank after looting the state-run banks. “If an internationally recognised personality does not get proper respect in the country, then the whole country will be deemed meritless.”
She asked the government to refrain from interfering with the Nobel winning micro-lending bank and Muhammad Yunus, and said: “It is easy to destroy an organisation but tough to build one.”
Badmouthing
Regarding badmouthing in the House, Khaleda said: “We have to consider what the young generation is learning from us.” She blamed the ruling party for their use of “unparliamentary” language and said the situation had never been as bad as this year in parliament. “Parliament is not a village ground. The way these statements were made is a matter of great shame. The ruling MPs, ministers and even the leader of the house, are making indecent statements in parliament. It offends decent people.”
The opposition leader said the ruling party did not show respect to the opposition party, failing to fulfil its pledges.
Hefazat
The leader of the opposition criticised the joint operation that took place on May 6 at Shapla Chattar to evict Hefazat men, who had gathered there during the group’s programme that began on May 5. She said: “That joint force drive has created a deep scar in the nation’s fabric. The whole incident is still wrapped in mystery. The government’s statement did not remove the confusion, rather it intensified it.”
According to Khaleda, Alems [Islamic clerics] said the joint force launched a massive crackdown, switching off lights in the operation area.
“The government did not take any initiative to clarify the confusion regarding the incident. Rather, the Prime Minister and her colleagues mocked them. The consequences will not be good,” she warned.
In her roughly two-hour-long speech, Khaleda condemned the government for its “corruption,” and its “politicisation” of judiciary and administration.
