The solution to democratic evolution in Bangladesh can only be formulated and implemented by the Bangladeshis
After failing to broker a deal between Awami League and BNP before the January 5 election, the UN Resident Coordinator, Neal Walker, was of the view that the solution to the problem must come from Bangladeshis, mainly from two political leaders.
“Without that there is no solution and there is nothing the Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, can do to make a difference,” Walker said at a DCAB Talk organised by the association of diplomatic reporters at the National Press Club yesterday.
Walker termed the dialogue between the rival parties before the election “not constructive” as it was only focused on supporting or non-supporting the caretaker government.
“That’s not a constructive dialogue and I think most of the Bangladeshis would like to see a change that would somehow enable a real choice,” he said.
The solution to democratic evolution in Bangladesh can only be formulated and implemented by the Bangladeshis, he said.
“It is only the leaders of the two main political parties that can agree on the conditions that would create a level-playing field for inclusive elections,” Walker said.
The UNRC said there are no outsiders that can solve problem in Bangladesh. “We simply tried to get the two sides to sit together and we tried to help them frame the issues.”
He was of the view that what Bangladesh witnessed in 2013 served only to strengthen radical and conservative religious groups.
Walker said if the elections were to be held tomorrow, the country would face the very same challenges that had existed since the 15th amendment was passed.
The challenges include whether the prime minister’s authority can be managed during the election period, formation of poll-time government and independence of the Election Commission.
“These are not the issues the UN has even defined. These are issues that have been defined by the Bangladeshis themselves,” he said.
Walker said UN Secretary General Ban made it very clear that these are the Bangladeshi issues.
“What is important is to create the conditions for conducive elections. The UN has consistently said that urgent action needs to be taken to create the conditions for inclusive elections,” he said.
About War Crimes Tribunal, he said the UN always supports such trial, but stressed for international standard.
Walker acknowledged that the UN Secretary General phoned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prior to the execution of Jamaat leader Quader Mollah to postpone the execution so that last minute appeal could be made.
He said the UN does not approve, agree or endorse death penalty, but it respects the member states that have it.
About the ongoing conflict in Gaza, he said the UN is playing its due role.
He, however, said: “I will acknowledge that the UN operates with significant constraints. There is no peacekeeping operation without any kind of Security Council endorsement. And, member states have veto power. This is a constraint in the UN system.”
