The country’s eminent personalities welcomed the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia for dialogue Saturday.
Eminent jurist Barrister Rafique-Ul Huq in his instant reaction appreciated the telephone call. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday evening invited the opposition leader Khaleda Zia at Ganabhaban over phone for a dialogue to discuss the current political impasse. “The talks have begun. I’m hopeful that the formal invitation from the PM would bring a positive result. I hope the dialogue will continue to find out a solution to relieve the people from anxiety,” the senior lawyer of the country said.
Replying to a query, Huq said, “Hartal must be withdrawn for the sake of the country’s interest. If both the parties come to a compromise to resolve the political deadlock, there cannot be any hartal.”
“The current parliament session is prolonging. It’s a positive indication. There may be an amendment to the Constitution regarding the formation of the poll time government,” he added.
Barrister Huq metaphorically said, “Since love has begun, wedding will take place.”
Former adviser to a caretaker government Akbar Ali Khan observed that the consensus should be reached within the constitutional bindings and time-frame.
“They political parties should hurry because there is not much time left.”
“First of all we are delighted to observe the discussion between two top leaders over telephone but dialogue between them should be constructive, otherwise, the happiness would be short lined.”
“The two groups will have to get away from their earlier positions. Without sacrifice, it is very difficult to reach a consensus,” he pointed out.
According to him, the constitutional binding is that the election schedule should be declared before 40-45 days of the election so, the consensus must be reached before that for holding the next general election.
As a result, there is no scope of dilly-dallying in the name of dialogue and discussions he added.
Ali Imam Majumder, former cabinet secretary said the sign is good. “Now, the political crisis should be resolved on the discussion table,” he said.
“Let them meet first tomorrow,” said another eminent jurist Barrister Dr Shahdin Malik.
“We will know tomorrow that what they discuss about the dialogue. I have not much reaction for now,” he added.
-With The Independent input
