Dialogue without Consensus
Syed Jamaluddin | Tuesday, 8 July 2008
The caretaker government is holding talks with the political parties, civil society, business community and other stakeholders. Talks have so far been held with some of the stakeholders who have put forward a number of demands. It is pointed out that if the two major political parties do not join the dialogue, the purpose of the dialogue may be defeated. If we look at the history of this region, we find that dialogues have never been successful. The roundtable in 1969 could not solve the political problem. During dialogue, the Ayub regime collapsed. The outcome of the dialogue is well known. The liberation war began following the failure of the negotiations in March 1971. On both these occasions, dialogues were held between the political parties and the military. The current dialogue is also between the political parties and indirectly the powers-behind-the scene.
The leaders of the two political parties were jailed and one of them is now released. Cases are being framed against them. The parties demanded the release of their leaders. They were not ready to talk to the govt. without the release of their leaders. But there is no guarantee that the dialogue will be successful even with the participation of two major parties. There is apparently no link between election and the dialogue. But the political parties are trying to demonstrate that the dialogue should lead to an understanding for holding the election. It was thought that diplomatic pressure may compel the two big parties to reconsider the matter and join the dialogue.
Even if the dialogue does not succeed, election will perhaps not be delayed. Any delay in election will lead to many complications. At one stage, the two parties threatened to go for movement to release their leaders. As a consequence, the govt. started large scale arrest to avoid the possible launching of movement by the political parties. This could create unfavourable situation for the dialogue. The political parties have protested against such arrests. An impression was created that a charter may be signed after the dialogue. Subsequently it was announced that a guideline may be published on the basis of dialogue with all the stakeholders. It was so decided because of the debate among the parties. The guideline will contain the view points of those with whom the dialogue was held.
All aspects of dialogue are being noted. This guideline will be made public. The Election Commission (EC) has also published a document based on their discussion with the political parties. It is clear that the dialogue will be without consensus. It is a good decision to publish the document on the basis of discussions with the stakeholders. Formal signing of a charter would produce unsurmountable problems. Bangladesh does not have the culture of consensus building. We have the tradition of submitting charter of demands. It is wise that the govt. has abandoned the option of signing a charter after conclusion of talks with all concerned. President Ershad led Jatiya Party at its dialogue with the govt strongly opposed the culture of boycotting elections. The Education Adviser said that govt. wanted to bring about qualitative change in politics. Jatiya Party leader said that all authority should be vested in the chairman of upazila parishad. They called for balance of power between the president and the prime minister. This was the 20th dialogue in the series.
It is important that various political parties, members of the civil society, professional groups are taken into confidence. The on-going dialogue initiated by the govt. is a step in this direction. The decision to send Sheikh Hasina abroad on parole for medical treatment may be construed as a climb-down by the govt. But it is a wise decision because this may bring about immense political dividend. The Awami League may eventually end up in playing a contributory role in the govt's march towards good governance and corruption free society.
The momentum of dialogue has slowed down because of lack of progress in negotiation with the BNP. We hope the govt is aware of the urgency to conclude the dialogue. The time frame for the dialogue between the govt. and the political parties is coming to a finishing line. The govt. and the political parties do not appear to have reached consensus on most of the issues. Many people apprehend that the outcome of the dialogue may be infructuous as in the case of negotiations conducted in the past. But the advisers are showing optimism.
Although there is doubt about the BNP and the Jamaat joining the dialogue, govt. will be making the last minute attempt to bring them to the table. BNP representatives are saying that the govt. is not giving proper treatment to them. Political parties demanded holding of upazila election after the parliamentary poll, withdrawal of emergency before the election, trial of liberation war criminals, release of top leaders and fulfillment of some other conditions. But no specific reply has been received from the govt. Govt is only listening to the views of the stakeholders. It appears that the political parties have not achieved anything from the dialogue.
After the Awami League's support to participate in the local govt elections, the BNP has hardened its position. According to them, participation in local govt polls would legitimise the caretaker govt. The alliance put forward its five-point demand to create a political climate conducive to transfer of power to the elected people's representatives. If the govt. meets the demands, the alliance can think of participating in the polls. The govt. was accused of an unholy alliance with the Awami League. Both the govt and the Awami League are strenuously denying that a secret deal has been struck between them.
The Awami League-govt. dialogue has ended inconclusively. They agreed to sit again for reaching a common ground. There is a plethora of problems. The AL has to adopt a pragmatic approach to make the coming elections qualitatively better than before. Govt. will have to walk the extra mile in resolving the issues. Political analysts believe that the four party alliance is secretly bargaining for the release of BNP Chairperson, her two sons and Jamaat leader Maulana Nizami. The alliance will fall in line as soon as the negotiation goes through. One has to wait for the unfolding event. To bring honest, patriotic and clean people to politics in local govt. without political influence is a key factor. Such kind of people will be interested in serving the public and the nation. Election controlled by muscle power can never encourage honest people to come to politics and the country will be deprived of their services. Let the honest people come to politics which may bring positive change in the life of ordinary people of Bangladesh.
There is confusion in Bangladesh politics. It is very difficult to fathom what is going on. Awami League has decided to conform to the scheme of things of the govt. Other parties are not rushing to embrace the plan of the caretaker government (CG). Public perception is that elections will be held to give legality to the sitting govt. But they do not need any certificate of legality as they will go out of office after the election in next December. The caretaker govt. did not formally take the votes of the people but indirectly and informally they enjoy public mandate .It is widely believed that in coming months some kind of unity govt. is likely to emerge.
(The writer is an economist and columnist.)
The leaders of the two political parties were jailed and one of them is now released. Cases are being framed against them. The parties demanded the release of their leaders. They were not ready to talk to the govt. without the release of their leaders. But there is no guarantee that the dialogue will be successful even with the participation of two major parties. There is apparently no link between election and the dialogue. But the political parties are trying to demonstrate that the dialogue should lead to an understanding for holding the election. It was thought that diplomatic pressure may compel the two big parties to reconsider the matter and join the dialogue.
Even if the dialogue does not succeed, election will perhaps not be delayed. Any delay in election will lead to many complications. At one stage, the two parties threatened to go for movement to release their leaders. As a consequence, the govt. started large scale arrest to avoid the possible launching of movement by the political parties. This could create unfavourable situation for the dialogue. The political parties have protested against such arrests. An impression was created that a charter may be signed after the dialogue. Subsequently it was announced that a guideline may be published on the basis of dialogue with all the stakeholders. It was so decided because of the debate among the parties. The guideline will contain the view points of those with whom the dialogue was held.
All aspects of dialogue are being noted. This guideline will be made public. The Election Commission (EC) has also published a document based on their discussion with the political parties. It is clear that the dialogue will be without consensus. It is a good decision to publish the document on the basis of discussions with the stakeholders. Formal signing of a charter would produce unsurmountable problems. Bangladesh does not have the culture of consensus building. We have the tradition of submitting charter of demands. It is wise that the govt. has abandoned the option of signing a charter after conclusion of talks with all concerned. President Ershad led Jatiya Party at its dialogue with the govt strongly opposed the culture of boycotting elections. The Education Adviser said that govt. wanted to bring about qualitative change in politics. Jatiya Party leader said that all authority should be vested in the chairman of upazila parishad. They called for balance of power between the president and the prime minister. This was the 20th dialogue in the series.
It is important that various political parties, members of the civil society, professional groups are taken into confidence. The on-going dialogue initiated by the govt. is a step in this direction. The decision to send Sheikh Hasina abroad on parole for medical treatment may be construed as a climb-down by the govt. But it is a wise decision because this may bring about immense political dividend. The Awami League may eventually end up in playing a contributory role in the govt's march towards good governance and corruption free society.
The momentum of dialogue has slowed down because of lack of progress in negotiation with the BNP. We hope the govt is aware of the urgency to conclude the dialogue. The time frame for the dialogue between the govt. and the political parties is coming to a finishing line. The govt. and the political parties do not appear to have reached consensus on most of the issues. Many people apprehend that the outcome of the dialogue may be infructuous as in the case of negotiations conducted in the past. But the advisers are showing optimism.
Although there is doubt about the BNP and the Jamaat joining the dialogue, govt. will be making the last minute attempt to bring them to the table. BNP representatives are saying that the govt. is not giving proper treatment to them. Political parties demanded holding of upazila election after the parliamentary poll, withdrawal of emergency before the election, trial of liberation war criminals, release of top leaders and fulfillment of some other conditions. But no specific reply has been received from the govt. Govt is only listening to the views of the stakeholders. It appears that the political parties have not achieved anything from the dialogue.
After the Awami League's support to participate in the local govt elections, the BNP has hardened its position. According to them, participation in local govt polls would legitimise the caretaker govt. The alliance put forward its five-point demand to create a political climate conducive to transfer of power to the elected people's representatives. If the govt. meets the demands, the alliance can think of participating in the polls. The govt. was accused of an unholy alliance with the Awami League. Both the govt and the Awami League are strenuously denying that a secret deal has been struck between them.
The Awami League-govt. dialogue has ended inconclusively. They agreed to sit again for reaching a common ground. There is a plethora of problems. The AL has to adopt a pragmatic approach to make the coming elections qualitatively better than before. Govt. will have to walk the extra mile in resolving the issues. Political analysts believe that the four party alliance is secretly bargaining for the release of BNP Chairperson, her two sons and Jamaat leader Maulana Nizami. The alliance will fall in line as soon as the negotiation goes through. One has to wait for the unfolding event. To bring honest, patriotic and clean people to politics in local govt. without political influence is a key factor. Such kind of people will be interested in serving the public and the nation. Election controlled by muscle power can never encourage honest people to come to politics and the country will be deprived of their services. Let the honest people come to politics which may bring positive change in the life of ordinary people of Bangladesh.
There is confusion in Bangladesh politics. It is very difficult to fathom what is going on. Awami League has decided to conform to the scheme of things of the govt. Other parties are not rushing to embrace the plan of the caretaker government (CG). Public perception is that elections will be held to give legality to the sitting govt. But they do not need any certificate of legality as they will go out of office after the election in next December. The caretaker govt. did not formally take the votes of the people but indirectly and informally they enjoy public mandate .It is widely believed that in coming months some kind of unity govt. is likely to emerge.
(The writer is an economist and columnist.)