Khaleda Zia should decisively distance herself from her Jamaat allies who were behind much of the violence
- A file photo of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia
At her press conference on Wednesday, Khaleda Zia called for peaceful agitation programs and proclaimed that her party does not condone violence and confrontation.
We certainly welcome her shift away from violent street politics and her readiness to hold dialogue with the AL. However, we must call attention to the fact that her words contradict the relentless two-and-a-half month long assault on the nation through hartals and blockades by the BNP and its allies.
If her stance had been less rigid during recent months the violent blockade may not have been prolonged and the Awami League’s victory in this month’s one-sided national elections may not have been inevitable.
Thus, It is important for her to make it crystal clear that she fully denounces the mayhem and loss of life caused during the recent non-stop hartals and blockades. We would also call on her to clarify her party’s position on the war crimes trials, which has been a hot button issue surrounding the controversial election.
Khaleda Zia should put her money where her mouth is and decisively distance herself from her Jamaat allies who were behind much of the violence and have been involved in the recent atrocities committed on Hindu communities. If she is indeed serious about demanding an investigation into these attacks, she should prove it by ending her alliance with Jamaat-Shibir terrorists.
These moves could help her party’s standing and facilitate a better atmosphere for dialogue.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
