The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a roundtable yesterday called for a national reconciliation for returning to democracy from the present state of emergency.

They said emergency came in the wake of political disputes, corruptions and abuse of power and extreme political confrontations that had taken the country to the brink of civil war.

They were speaking at a roundtable organised by Progotishil Gonatrantik Dal (PDP) at the VIP Lounge of National Press Club yesterday.

Presided over by PDP leader Adv Gulam Kibria, Prof Mozaffar Ahmed, trustee, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) was present as chief guest while four editors of the national dailies Amanullah Kabir, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Mostafa Kamal Majumder and Naimul Islam Khan took part as discussants.

Blaming only the politicians of bringing the 1/11 situation, Prof Mozaffar Ahmed alleged that the post of the president of the republic was seriously misused recently.

He called for a brilliant civil administration along side participatory democracy and said, the government was ruled by the instigation of some vested quarters'.

While taking part at the discussion Daily Amar Desh Editor Amanullah Kabir said, the so-called civil society was also responsible for bringing the country to the present situation.

They are trying to serve the interest of a neighbouring country, he alleged.

Referring to the slow down of remittance, Daily Manabjamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said, ''I obviously want to return back to the days prior to 1/11 as the current political vacuum is destroying the existence of the state.''

Minus two became plus two, he said adding '' I don't believe that the country is going toward holding a general election.'' Differing with some speakers Mostafa Kamal Majumder, The New Nation Editor urged everyone to give up the bad tendency of delivering reckless speech.

''We must speak specifically to find out the appropriate solution'', he stated.

The ongoing function of the Anti Corruption Commission is to be continued after the withdrawal of the state of emergency, he observed.

Naimul Islam Khan, Editor, Daily Amader Shomoy said, politicians must understand why they are loosing their supremacy.

Will everything run smoothly with Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina behind bars, he questioned

Indicating to the detained BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, PDP Convenor Dr Ferdus Ahmed Koreshi said, no one is above the law.

If the allegation against them was proved, the next election can be held without their participation, he observed.