Criticising the new Awami League general secretary for his comment that there is no need to hold any dialogue with BNP, its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said engaging in talks is essential for the sake of a credible and inclusive election.
“There’s no other option, but to hold dialogue for the restoration of true democracy and holding a fair election. So, an effective way will have to be found out through discussions with all political parties for a free and fair election,” he said. The BNP leader came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after placing wreaths at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, marking its 38th founding anniversary. In the afternoon, AL general secretary Obaidul Quader said, “If BNP can’t take the right decision about the upcoming election, it’ll be a big mistake for them.”
Talking to reporters after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla at the secretariat, he also ruled out the possibility of holding dialogue with BNP over the next polls. “What is BNP? Why there should be discussions with BNP? They themselves have closed all the ways for talks.”
As his attention was drawn to Quader’s remarks, Fakhrul said, “Awami League general secretary is naturally very invigorated as he has just elected to the post. That’s why he made such comments.”
He said the next election will not be free and fair if the government does not reach an understating with political parties and hold dialogues. “The ruling party must engage in discussions with political parties as per the hopes and aspirations of the country’s people, paving the way for credible polls with the participation of all parties,” the BNP leader observed.
About framing charges against BNP leader MA Qaiyum in Italian citizen Cesare Tavella murder case, Fakhrul said the contradiction among law enforcement agencies over the issue has demonstrated that the government is trying to subdue its opponents by creating terrorism. “It also manifested that the country now lacks the rule of law.”
