Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed has told reporters that he expects the government to complete a full five year term. His remarks echo the statement by Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Tuesday that he thinks “there is no chance of holding an early election’’ as the government is now busy implementing its election pledges.
This represents a reversal of indications given before the January 5 election for the 10th parliament, that the government would hold dialogue with the BNP to quickly bring about inclusive 11th parliamentary elections.
We have previously made clear our view that in the absence of the main opposition party, the January 5 election could only be justified on the basis of constitutional necessity, and that its results should not be viewed as a mandate to rule for a full term.
The ruling party must keep to its word before the election, that it will take all steps necessary to reach a mutually acceptable compromise with the BNP to allow fully participatory elections to be held as soon as practicable.
For compromise to be achieved, the BNP must also co-operate in good faith. Its actions before January 5 only brought about unconscionable violence and deadlock. The BNP needs to follow up on the positive moves it has been taking this month to suspend blockades and issue statements against violence.
Without peaceful fully contested elections, political crises may endure. The government owes a responsibility to the people to fulfill its promise to the country that it will bring this about through early dialogue.
