The New Nation - Internet Edition

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed has reiterated that dialogue by the government with political parties would be started after the completion of the political dialogue started by the Election Commission.

On his return from the World Economic Forum held at the Swiss city of Davos, the Chief Adviser also said that the process of relaxation of emergency leading to its eventual withdrawal could not be started because the political parties were yet to start reforms within their respective party organisations to establish accountability.

Earlier, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed signalled for the start of dialogue in his address to the nation marking the first anniversary of the caretaker government on January 12, different political parties have started airing their own demands and expectations. Leaders of the Bangladesh Awami League, for instance, have demanded the release of their party chief Sheikh Hasina without whom, AL leaders say, they would not go for dialogue or election.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party - divided into three factions though - has also demanded the release of their party chief Begum Khaleda Zia. However, while leaders of one faction have said that reforms in the party would be carried out under the leadership of the BNP chairperson, those of another faction have underscored reforms. Dialogue can be held with the BNP by the Election Commission only after the Supreme Court gives its decision on which faction represents the party and should be invited for talks. This complication may surface also when the government would start its political dialogue.

But political reforms remain the integral part of the roadmap to election and democracy announced by the Election Commission and the Caretaker Government. And this is yet to be addressed in specific terms. Without new leadership believing in a complete departure from old politics of plunder mere change of posture will not do.

It has been asserted time and again by power that be that the next elected government would be run by politicians. What is strange is that doubts do not go away that it may not be possible to hold the election as promised by the caretaker government. When the consultation between the political parties and the government starts people may find indications how things will move and in which direction. It is expected the government will be able to assert a clear agenda and sense of direction for the ultimate goal of reestablishing democracy.

When hope has been raised so clearly by the caretaker government the political parties are waiting anxiously to see it happen sooner than later. The political parties seem more interested in the dialogue with Dr Fakhruddin than with the Chief Election Commissioner. The impression was given that the government was reshuffled to prepare itself for immediate consultations with political parties although nothing has yet been divulged about the topics to be raised.