Political diseases getting contagious: Dr Kamal

Observing that 'political diseases' are becoming 'contagious' day by day, Gono Forum president Dr Kamal Hossain has said any negotiation to reach a consensus to break the country's current political standoff should involve all political parties, not only the two major parties-Awami League and BNP.
"The country has not been leased out to two landlords (AL and BNP). The negotiation to reach a consensus should be held among all political parties and stakeholders, not only between the two parties," he said in an interview with UNB.
Asked about the current culture of violence in political movement, Dr Kamal suggested any movement should be non-violent and free from clashes saying, "No one can hang onto power forever ignoring people's mandate. Today or tomorrow they (government) will have to stand in the dock of people's court."
The eminent jurist said the government will be forced to concede to people's demand for reaching a political consensus. "The country cannot be ruled effectively ignoring public opinion."
Citing that anti-Ershad movement was an example of successful non-violent movement, Dr Kamal said, "We had waged the movement against Ershad without resorting to any violence. No violence such as burning people had taken place, but he (Ershad) had killed people-he killed Noor Hossain and Dr Milon."
Voicing deep worries over the present political situation, he said people want peace and stability, not conflict and violence.
About the constitution, Dr Kamal said the charter must be democratic and the government must be respectful to public opinions.
The constitution expert said no one thinks that the January-5 national election was a normal one at all. "And the government had earlier said the election was for the continuation of the constitutional process and pledged to give a snap election immediately after the January-5 polls through negotiation."
The Gono Forum president went on to add, "It's (election) not a matter of only two parties - Awami League and BNP - rather of 160 million people of the country. The election must be credible to people."
Observing that 'political diseases' are becoming virulent day by day in the country, he said it is discriminatory that the ruling party arranges various types of rallies and gatherings, while others do not get the permission.
The government should abide by the constitution while the opposition parties should go for peaceful programmes, rallies and meetings, refraining from violence and atrocities, the chief author of the constitution suggested.
Asked about ways to overcome the present political deadlock, Dr Kamal said the unity of people is needed to come out of the current prolonged political impasse.
"We proved in the past that we could be united for protecting the national interest. From the Language Movement until 2008, we managed to get united for national interest," he added.
About his party Gono Forum's role in forging a national unity, Dr Kamal said, "We're continuing our efforts to reach a national political consensus. We're actively pursuing the objective through consultation with like-minded parties and other professional organisations."
He also said the media has a big role to play in promoting national consensus and raising awareness that citizens are the source of power. "They must, therefore, actively work for unity and for building consensus."
Dr Kamal urged all including the ruling and opposition blocs to sit in a 'meaningful negotiation' to reach a solution avoiding clashes and violence.
The country has been passing through a difficult time amid escalating violence since the BNP-led 20-party alliance enforced a countrywide transport blockade on January 6 last.