PM says talks with BNP possible if it discards Jamaat
The first priority of the newly elected government would be to protect the lives of people and the properties of citizens as well as of the state at any cost, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose party, the Awami League, registered a landslide victory on Sunday’s Parliamentary poll that was boycotted by many parties, including the BNP. All concerned, including law enforcement personnel and the Army, have been instructed to stop all post-election violence across the country with a strong hand, she said.
“I am declaring unequivocally that the first job of my elected government will be to protect people’s lives alongside their properties and assets of the state. Therefore, I am directing the administration, Army and law enforcing agencies to work cordially to take stern measures to end any post-election terrorism and violence,” the Prime Minister told a post-election press conference on Monday afternoon at her official residence, Ganobhaban.
She also said her government would continue to pursue a zero tolerance policy against militancy and terrorism. The trials of the war crimes accused will continue and the verdicts will be executed, Hasina said.
“Fundamentalists and communal quarters will be dealt with sternly,” she added. The Prime Minister renewed her offer to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia to hold a peaceful dialogue to find a solution regarding the next elections.
She, however, iterated for that to happen, BNP would have to give up the company of Jamaat-e-Islami and shun terrorism and violence.
“Prior to the elections, in the interests of democracy, peace and economic development, I have repeatedly called upon the Opposition to come to a political compromise, leaving behind terrorism and violence,” said Hasina, who is on her way to becoming Prime Minister for the third term.
“Today after the elections, I want no political vengeance… I want peace in place of terrorism and violence, democratic stability in place of anarchy and uncertainty, and the continuity of economic development in place of destruction and sabotage,” she said.
“I call upon all, including the honourable (Opposition) Leader, to come to a peaceful dialogue, giving up the company of war criminals and the militant Jamaat, and shunning terrorism and violence. A solution regarding the next elections can be reached through discussions. For that, everyone will have to be patient and tolerant, and all types of political violence would have to be stopped,” she added. The Awami League president, however, did not specify as to when the next election would be held.
When asked if the discussions with the BNP would be held on the next Parliamentary election or a mid-term poll, she replied, “Whenever elections come in future, discussions will be held on those elections. Discussions depend on the Leader of the Opposition.”
“She (Khaleda) will not remain Leader of the Opposition in the upcoming Parliament. She (Khaleda) has lost both ways,” Hasina added.
“We will talk to everyone for the continuation of democracy,” she also said.
Responding to a query, Hasina said as long as the BNP was with Jamaat, it would not be able to hold discussions in a positive manner.
Asked if the government would ban Jamaat, she declined to comment as there was a writ in the court over this issue.
Describing the just-concluded elections as successful and peaceful, the Prime Minister said, “In the elections, people gave a verdict for peace, continuation of the Constitution and democracy, and against terrorism, anarchy and sabotage.”
Thanking voters for voting spontaneously, braving all odds, she said, “I don’t believe there will be any allegation regarding the polls. People have voted and we will go forward.”
Hasina said parties believing in democracy and the spirit of Liberation had taken part in the poll, while those believing in militancy had boycotted it.
When asked if boycotting Leftist parties were also against the spirit of Liberation, she avoided a direct reply, saying, “We have absorbed all the good people from the Communist Party.”
When asked about media reports that Bangladesh might face international sanctions, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh had not done anything that could result in sanctions against the country. There have been worse elections in other parts of the world than the just-concluded one, and those elections had gained acceptability, she said.
Asked about Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad, Hasina said, “He is playing golf. He is fine.”
Courtesy of The Independent
