Dismissing the demand of the leader of the Opposition, Khaleda Zia, for restoration of the old format of the caretaker government (CG), information minister Hasanul Haque Inu said on Sunday that this demand went against the court’s verdict. “Even after knowing about the oppression carried out by the past caretaker governments, she is still demanding the same thing. It seems to me that she (Khaleda) is either illiterate or a sham intellectual. Her demand for the CG system violates the court’s order,” he told reporters at a press briefing at the secretariat.
Khaleda Zia has pushed politics to the verge of destruction by refusing to accept the dialogue proposed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Hasanul Haque Inu alleged.
Regarding Khaleda Zia’s conditional consent to join the dialogue for resolving the political unrest, the information minister said, “She (Khaleda Zia) has said the government will have to come up with a specific proposal on an interim non-party caretaker government during the election period. It seems that she has refused the proposal of the dialogue.”
Explaining the necessity of dialogue, the minister said, “We want to discuss the framework of the interim government with the main Opposition, but she will have to join the talks unconditionally. We are ready to join the dialogue anywhere as per their wishes, but they will have to withdraw their ultimatum and conditions.”
The government has amended the Constitution after receiving the full verdict and observations of the higher court, Hasanul Haque Inu said, adding, “The court has given its observation to continue the non-party caretaker government system for two more terms for holding free, fair and credible elections, or any under interim government.”
“Khaleda Zia’s rejection of dialogue, the ultimatum to the government to comply with the non-party caretaker government system, and support for the Hefazat are aimed at creating an unstable situation across the country. This proves that she (Khaleda) is moving towards turning the country into a Taliban state,” he alleged.
Responding to a question about the formal letter for holding the dialogue, the minister said, “She has given an ultimatum to the government to restore the non-party caretaker government within 48 hours after the Prime Minister’s offer for a dialogue. We will send the letter formally after completion of some unofficial work, such as confirmation of the venue, list of discussants and process of the dialogue.”
On the other hand, environment and forests minister Hasan Mahud also urged Khaleda Zia to sit for the dialogue after withdrawing the ultimatum.
“She has given ultimatums several times. Don’t consider the proposal for the dialogue as weakness on part of the government. We urge her to withdraw the ultimatum and join the dialogue to resolve the present political crisis of the country,” he said.
Dr Mahmud also said, “Khaleda Zia is trying to come to power using some shadowy organisations.”
-With The Independent input
