The New Nation - Internet Edition

NOTWITHSTANDING the recent advocacy from certain quarters for the fastest withdrawal of emergency and the holding of elections, the donors' stand on these issues continues to be on the side of cautious withdrawal of emergency and carrying out of political reforms before the holding of elections. This was reflected at a recent meeting between the German Ambassador in Bangladesh and a number of media persons at his residence where he told them that his government and the European Union (EU) are in favour of withdrawal of emergency. But this should be done carefully calibrated to progress on the election roadmap.

He told the media persons that political parties should ensure internal democratisation in choosing leadership as well as establishing transparency in operation of party funds. EU has 0.5 million Euro earmarked for the political parties and the government to spend for bringing about reforms within the political parties in Bangladesh through consultation and other means. He said that a detailed work plan could be devised in consultation with UNDP to utilise the political development funds - a gratis for helping the country avert a repeat of the past political crisis.

In varying degrees, the same is also the position of other donors. The developed countries hope that the present government would give a healthy new direction to the country culminating in the successful holding of elections leading to handing over of power to an elected government for sustaining political stability. There may be differences of interpretation of the EU move, but fact remains that the anarchy for which emergency was proclaimed in the country cannot but be blamed on the political parties.

The political parties in Bangladesh may take advantage of this initiative and embrace reforms to enhance their credibility to be trusted more to be in charge of governing Bangladesh again.