‘Govt not serious about dialogue’

BNP-Maudud
BNP leader Moudud Ahmed on Tuesday alleged the government was offering a dialogue with the Opposition, but not doing anything to prove it is sincere on the offer.

The BNP Standing Committee member pointed to the imprisonment of BNP leaders during a ‘human chain’ agitation in the parliament premises, that was organised to call for the release of BNP leaders MK Anwar and Barkatullah Bulu.

“Government speaks of dialogue, but they do not want it. The imprisonment of MK Anwar and Barkatullah Bulu is proof that it is not sincere.”

“These offers for a dialogue is thus nothing but meaningless,” Moudud said.

While the BNP points to the government’s lack of sincerity because it is arresting Opposition leaders regularly, the ruling Awami League blames the Opposition for not being serious about a dialogue and points to its regular strikes and violence during them.

“The government has to decide what they will do,” Moudud Ahmed said. “If they want talks, they have to lift the ban on rallies. MK Anwar and Barkatullah Bulu will have to be freed.”

“Now you talk of dialogue and at the same time won’t allow rallies and issue warrants against opposition leaders – that is not acceptable,” Moudud said “People don’t believe you.”

Fourteen BNP Members of Parliament (MPs) joined the ‘human chain’, demanding release of the two leaders before the upcoming budget session.

MP Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie said it was up to the Awami League whether BNP will attend parliament sessions.

He alleged Junior Law Minister Qamrul Islam’s ‘wave of hand’ was responsible for MK Anwar not getting bail.

BNP last attended Parliament on Mar 18, the twelfth session, after boycotting 77 consecutive days of proceedings.

If their lawmakers dont attend the forthcoming Budget session, they risk loosing their seats for staying for more than 90 business days.

The last Parliament session was adjourned sine die on Apr 30 amidst empty opposition benches.

Source: Bd news24