A day-long discussion on 'Jatiya Oikya Process' (national unity process) was held on February 07 at the Institute of Engineers in the capital under the banner of the Nagorik Samaj, a civil society platform. Apart from solving the current crisis, it was suggested that a charter should be adopted as a permanent arrangement for maintaining a peaceful political environment.
Although foreign governments and diplomats called for the end of violence and resolving the current political crisis through dialogue, there was no response from the government.
The 20-Party Alliance, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), demands holding of fresh national election on the basis of dialogue and consensus.
The alliance has been observing programmes since the first week of January which has caused death of people in arson attacks.
The government is treating this as a law and order problem and using force to control the situation. The situation has become grave because of tough attitude adopted by both sides.
The Nagarik Samaj has been calling on the government for solving the crisis through dialogue. The country is now passing through a critical time.
So the citizens have to take initiative and come forward. If the civil society is united, they can play an effective role in solving the problem.
The discussants at the gathering felt that the President of the country may come forward to encourage the political parties to hold a dialogue.
 A declaration was read out on behalf of the Nagarik Oikya outlining various stages of dialogue and exchange of views. The civil society members said that they were working to initiate a national dialogue for an immediate end to the present political crisis. They would meet the President to press for a dialogue.
They would select a few people to meet the President within the shortest possible time. One eminent person would lead the delegation to the President.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) arranged a sit-in programme on February 08 calling for an immediate solution to the present political crisis. They urged the government to make legal provisions against hartals and blockades. The businessmen from different trade bodies and associations joined the programme. District chambers and association offices also observed the programme.
Nagorik Samaj sent on February 09 letters to the President, the prime minister and the BNP chairperson requesting them to take initiative for holding a national dialogue to solve the ongoing political crisis.
Ministers and leaders of the Awami League-led 14-Party Alliance lambasted the civil society leaders for their call for a national dialogue to end the ongoing political stalemate. They ruled out a dialogue with the opposition and stressed the need for strengthening administrative measures to resist the ongoing opposition movement.
Commerce minister termed the civil society proposals as unrealistic and unacceptable. He said that the government could not hold talks with those who were creating violence and promoting terrorist activities.
UN Secretary General recently sent letters to the Prime Minister and BNP chairperson on the ongoing political crisis. The UN was prepared to cooperate in resolving the existing crisis.
The BNP has, however, responded positively to the call of the civil society and UN for dialogue.
Meanwhile, the US ambassador in Dhaka said the solution to the ongoing political crisis lay within Bangladesh. The US was ready to help if that help was requested.
The writer is an economist and columnist.
jamaluddinsyed23@yahoo.com.