Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco has said that the time is running out to find a solution through dialogue between the parties to hold free, fair, credible, inclusive and non-violent elections in Bangladesh that will be acceptable to all. “Our concern is that the time is running out and that the quicker the dialogue starts, I think, the easier it would be to find a solution,” he said at a press conference at a local hotel upon conclusion of his four-day visit to Bangladesh.
Describing the upcoming elections as crucial for strengthening democratic process in the country, Taranco stressed the urgent need for more meaningful and constructive political dialogue to create conducive conditions for the successful holding of elections.
He emphasised that securing democracy, maintaining stability and promoting peace and development have to be the priority of everyone in this nation at this critical juncture.
“It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to work together to create a conducive environment that will allow free, fair, credible, inclusive and non-violent elections to take place,” said the UN official, urging the political leaders to work together to find mutually agreeable solutions to this end.
Regarding the offer of dialogue by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said that the offer was ‘an important initial step’ which now needed to be reciprocated and ensure that this process could move forward.
“Peaceful dialogue and active engagement will allow for the parties to an agreeable solution to put in place a mechanism that allows establishment of level-playing field for all political parties,” he added.
Striking a note of optimism, Taranco said, “I am hopeful that there is a lot of common ground (between the parties). So the gaps are not as big as many will believe.”
Referring to his meetings with the stakeholders, he said that all of them had recognised that holding peaceful elections was the priority.
Asked about the consequences of the failure to hold free and fair polls, Taranco said, “The history of Bangladesh is a good indicator what the consequence can be if you don’t have free, fair and credible elections that are acceptable to everyone.”
He said that security of democracy, stability, progress, economic opportunity and development were impacted while people’s hopes and aspirations could be compromised due to non-holding of the elections.
“The consequences, I think are clearly understood by all the interlocutors. I did not have to mention that. There is lot of understanding why these elections are so important and so crucial,” he added.
Asked if the UN had any formula to resolve the political impasse, the Assistant Secretary-General said, “Let me say we did not come here with a formula. We did not have a formula. Our role is not to tell the parties what to do.”
The solution to the problem must be ‘home-grown’ which will be led by the people and leaders of the country and they have the capacity and opportunity, he said.
‘Give and take and compromise’ will be required to find a solution,” he added.
-With The Independent input
