PM’s Press Conference: Is it Enough For Solution?
National dailies have reported that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the Election Commission will be reconstituted and strengthened through discussions with all stakeholders including the main opposition BNP in efforts to ensure free and fair elections. “We agree with the opposition about the need for reconstitution of the Election Commission through discussions. That will definitely happen,” she told a press conference at her official residence Gono Bhaban. Asked about BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's recent statement that no general election will be allowed if the caretaker government system is not reinstated, Hasina said the election will be held without a caretaker government, and it will be free and fair.“BNP has to participate in that election if it is to remain in politics. People want election; they want to practise their constitutional right to vote.” Queried about her remarks abroad that she would not sit with the “thieves and thugs” for dialogue, Hasina said those were misinterpreted. “I meant if I agree to sit with the opposition leader, she will request that corruption charges against her two sons be withdrawn.” Asked if she will sit with the BNP chief if the latter does not raise any such issue, she said it is a hypothetical question. “She has already set a time limit for the government…so how will there be any talks?”
Hasina said the BNP chief had once been steadfast in her opposition to the provision for caretaker government, while Awami League pressed for it. The provision has been scrapped in line with a Supreme Court verdict and considering the bitter experiences. “Now why would she [Khaleda] go against the apex court verdict,” she asked.Criticising the September 19 vandalism and attacks on policemen by Jamaat-e-Islami activists, she said those responsible must be brought to book. “The fundamentalist forces will not be allowed to take to the streets to repeat such incidents.” She urged the people to put up resistance against Jamaat-Shibir men.
We do not see any solution at the end of the tunnel. The main issue is care taker government. In 1996, BNP was in opposition of caretaker government and all other parties were for it.BNP finally accepted the demand and national consensus was established.It is credit of BNP that it accepted the demand finally. Now this consensus has been broken in the name of a court judgment. As we understand Parliament is not bound by any court ruling in so far as the constitutional provisions are concerned. The judgment has not fully come yet but the short judgment said that the caretaker system can continue for two more terms. As we see the next election will be boycotted by most parties if not held under caretaker system. Election boycott is not new thing.Awami league boycotted it with Jamaate Islami in 1996.In that event how a successful election will be held when ostensibly the opposition will resist election with dire consequences. Street violence is nothing new .In this regard ,we do not understandspecial fulmination against Jamaat Shibir only.
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