The BNP chief Khaleda Zia is once again threatening to take a tough and non-cooperative stance, coupled with hartals and blockades, if the ruling Awami League government refuses to sit for dialogue about holding fresh elections under a non-partisan government.
Ever since the run-up to the January 5 elections, the BNP has been adamant in its demand for a non-party caretaker government, refusing to listen to other possible options. The party’s chairperson has unequivocally announced that elections under a non-partisan system must take place whether talks between the two parties take place or not.
This unyielding stance is a throwback to the grim political deadlock the country witnessed last year during the BNP’s stubborn refusal to participate in the national elections. The party’s stance only ended in a largely uncontested, but constitutionally valid election taking place, where the BNP did not participate and was subsequently left out of parliament without a legitimate political voice. The AL’s victory, though not beyond reproach, was seen as legal and constitutional.
It would not be a good strategy for the BNP to go down the same road again. As the nation is poised to suffer from political déjà vu, we sincerely hope the BNP would consider alternative avenues of negotiation.
We are supportive of the BNP’s demand for reinstatement of the caretaker government, as polls suggest that that is what the public would prefer. However, a caretaker government system is not the only way to ensure a free and fair election, and the BNP should be open to other solutions as well. A middle ground can be reached between the two parties if they negotiate in good faith.`
Source: Dhaka Tribune
