Call for holding talks to resolve political crisis

Speakers at a discussion on Saturday demanded that the government hold dialogue for resolving the country's ongoing political crisis.
Only midterm elections under a neutral caretaker administration could pave the way for breaking the political deadlock, they said at the discussion on "Endangered Democracy: Battered Agriculture and Way Out" organised by Agriculturists Association of Bangladesh (AAB) at the VIP lounge of Jatiya Press Club.
The speakers also took the view that if the present political unrest was allowed to linger on, it would hurt the country's economy, especially the agriculture sector.  
Former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Dr Emajuddin Ahmed who attended the meeting as chief guest said there was no country in the world where elections were held without dissolving the parliament.
But Bangladesh is a country where the government held elections without dissolving the parliament, he added.  
Mr Ahmed said the people of the country did not accept the elections held in 2014.
"As per the Election Commission, only 40 per cent votes were cast. So, this raises the question of the value of the remaining 60 per cent voters."  
Comparing the country's present situation with Uganda, he said a midterm election was a must to resolve the present political crisis.
Acting convener of Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad Ruhul Amin Gazi criticised the government for filing 'false' cases against the persons like renowned political scientist Dr Emajuddin to cling to power until 2019. "But it will not be fulfilled."
Convener of AAB Anwarun Nabi Mozumder said the agriculture sector in the country was facing hard times. "If the present situation continues, it will put an adverse impact on agriculture."
"We want to see an end to violent politics. We hope the political parties would reach an amicable solution that will pave the way for resolving the political crisis," he said.     
Golam Hafiz Keneddy, former general secretary of AAB, agriculturist Sheikh Shafi Sawan and Rafiqul Islam Rafique, general secretary of Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal, among others, were present on the occasion.
    talhabinhabib@yahoo.com