Top professionals call for end to violence, setting for talks

Former CEC ATM Shamsul Huda speaking at the press conference held on February 13, 2015, urging the government to take initiative to create a congenial atmosphere to hold dialogue and end political stalemate in the country. Photo: TV grab

Eminent individuals today called for an immediate stop to the ongoing violence in the country to create a congenial atmosphere for dialogue in the interest of peace and prosperity.

At the same, they urged the government to take initiative for a dialogue that “will hopefully put an end to the prevailing violence in the country.”

In view of the political stalemate arising freshly since the start of this year, causing the death of at least 69 people, civil society members gathered and held a press conference to hold up their views and opinion in the capital this morning.

The initiatives will have to come simultaneously from both sides to put an end to the violence that claimed around 90 people, former chief election commissioner (CEC) ATM Shamsul Huda said at the press briefing held at Jatiya Press Club.

“Dialogue is a norm of peaceful and democratic politics. We want peace, political stability and immediate end to the prevailing situation,” Huda said.

“We will not initiate any step from ourselves for dialogue. If it is needed, we will extend our all-out cooperation to make the move a success,” he added.

Responding to recent lambast of ruling party leaders dubbing the civil society “cancers of the society and fathers of the 1/11,” Huda said:  “We welcome the ministers and the ruling party leaders for their criticism as they take us into account.”

At the press briefing, a 13-member platform ‘Nagorik Samaj’ (civil society), headed by Huda, was formed. The body will move for dialogue amidst the prevailing political impasse.

Other members include: M Hafiz Uddin Khan, A S M Shahjahan, Jamilur Reja Chowdhury, Akbar Ali Khan, C M Shafi Sami, Rasheda K Chowdhury, Rokia Afzal Rahman, Syed Abul Maksud, Shahdeen Malik, Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, Dr Ahsan-H Mansur and Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar.