Special Correspondent
A general strike enforced by the opposition defying the telephone request by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the deaths and injuries during 60-hour opposition hartal and the accusation and counter accusation from both sides – all clearly reflects the widening difference between the government and the opposition.
After Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s initiative for government-opposition dialogue fell flat due to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s refusal to withdraw general strike and join a dinner with Prime Minister at her official residence Ganobhaban on Monday the much-talked-about dialogue now remains elusive with both sides reluctant to take a fresh initiative.
And after the public broadcasting of a private telephone conversation of two top leaders, the situation is getting all the more complicated, to the extent that the expected dialogue between the two top leaders of the country seems to be a distant dream.
It appears that AL is preparing for election even without BNP, and BNP is getting ready to go for harder programmes.
Meanwhile, opposition sources said Khaleda Zia will not go to the Ganobhaban for talks and dinner until Sheikh Hasina agrees in principle to accept their demand for election under a non-party neutral government.
On the other hand, Sheikh Hasina is not willing at all to concede to opposition demand for a caretaker government and sticking to her stand on holding the election as per constitution under an all-party interim government comprising elected public representatives with herself the Prime Minister.
Ruling AL and many others have held the opposition responsible for these deaths, injuries and loss of property.
Meanwhile, the diplpmatic corps and the business community been expressing their concerns about a peaceful settlement of the dispute. They are apprehending that AL and BNP are heading for confrontation.
Source: Weekly Holiday
