Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Friday voiced cautious optimism over the main opposition BNP’s decision to return to parliament, and hoped that it may lead to a dialogue between the two major political parties. “If they join Parliament, certainly it’s good news. We all want so. We hope there’ll be a dialogue between the two major parties,” TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman told the news agency.
Responding to a question, he said they do not see any reason to be upbeat and hopeful as both the opposition and ruling parties stick to their own guns. “There’s no change in their respective positions (about how the polls will be held).
Iftekharuzzaman said it will not be acceptable if the opposition returns to parliament just to save their memberships. “If the return is meant simply for saving their memberships, it won’t be acceptable for democracy. It’s not good news either,” the TIB chief said.
He said they are enjoying all the facilities at the cost of taxpayers’ money and they need to respond to people.
Earlier in the day, BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Moudud Ahmed said the opposition is going to join the upcoming budget session of parliament.
“We’ll surely join parliament for the sake of the country’s welfare and its people and in our own interest, but it’ll depend on the ruling party’s attitude how many days we’ll be there in the House,’’ he said.
On March 12, TIB called upon the top leaders of the two largest parties to shun the confrontational course and engage in dialogue.
“We call upon Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Begum Khaleda Zia to pause for a moment in the spirit of our glorious independence and Liberation War, and consider implications of the confrontational, violent and aggressive political game, for the people of the country whose leaders they are and in whose name they are involved in politics,” the TIB said in a statement on the day.
-With The Independent input
