German Ambassador in Dhaka Dr Albrecht Conze has said dialogue between two major political parties is the only way to overcome the existing political stalemate, and a successful dialogue requires confidentiality. “Dialogue, dialogue, and dialogue (is the only solution)…both sides have now come to the conclusion that time is ripe for an understanding about the terms of reference of an election time government. With a little bit of good will, it should be possible to reach such an agreement soon,” he told Dhaka Courier, a sister concern of UNB, in a recent interview.
The envoy said he has observed quite a few communication problems between the two major parties—the ruling Awami League and the opposition BNP—and also within themselves. “Successful dialogue requires confidentiality and closed doors. It can’t be held via the media.”
Responding to a query, Cozne said Bangladesh has a young history of democracy, and so far, it has always gone through a spell of stormy weather during election time. “The year 2013 seems to be no exception to this rule.”
He said the European countries expect all stakeholders to keep moving within the framework set by the constitution.
“I’m confident that the elections will not shake Bangladesh beyond reason. As long as the Electoral Commission fully assumes its responsibilities and due process is observed in view of free, fair and inclusive elections, I see no reason for concern,” Conze said.
The envoy said trade should remain undisturbed in the interest of the people, and not again be harmed by an endless series of hartals as earlier in the year.
Responding to another query, he said German investment is certainly not encouraged by the reports and pictures that went around the world after Tazreen, and much more so after Rana Plaza.
The envoy, however, hopes that Bangladesh will soon be able to produce better news though the factors like disasters within the RMG sector and the suspension of Bangladesh’s GSP facilities in the US market followed by an ongoing political impasse did not have negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries.
“On the basis of a solid and tested friendship of more than four decades, our bilateral relations are not affected by these factors, and trade has remained steady…I hope that Bangladesh will soon be able to produce better news – they do exist, but they rarely make headlines.”
However, the envoy said, it seems to him that not everybody among the political class and the garment producers’ community has fully understood the gravity of the recent tragedies.
“Bangladesh’s international reputation has suffered considerably, and the task of reversing this development is huge. This vibrant emerging society and economy with its huge potential will have to assume full responsibility for decent safety and health standards in its many factories,” Albrecht Conze said.
He said through this joint effort, Bangladesh should be able to leave behind the image of a disaster prone country, and rather present itself as an emerging economic powerhouse, which cares for its citizens.
“Quality ought to be the guiding principle – quality of production in order to remain competitive, and at least a minimum of quality of life for those who are producing the goods.”
Responding to a question, the German envoy said German buyers appreciate both the quality of what comes out of Bangladesh’s factories, and the reliability in keeping delivery dates.
“On top of that, this country offers the best prices. I’m convinced that it’ll continue to remain cheaper than its competitors, even after minimum wages will have been raised – something which we now all expect to be agreed upon very soon.”
Responding to another query, he said Germany needs skilled workers, and such opportunities do exist and Similar to the Green Card in the USA, the EU blue card offers highly educated skilled workers of non- EU- States the opportunity and the right to work and stay in the European Union.
“The EU blue card for Germany is a residence title for specific purposes; it provides an evidence for the legal stay of a citizen from a non-EU-country in an EU- member state for the purpose of working. Bangladeshi citizens can apply for it. The respective German law has now been in force for a year, from the 1st August 2012.”
-With The Independent input
