The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Eminent economist Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud yesterday said holding talks between the two top leaders (Hasina-Khaleda) of two major political parties is irrelevant at this point of time as the general election is slated for December 18.

"Time is so short. So, the most important thing is to hold the election through ensuring participation of all the political parties for transition into democracy," he told reporters at Hotel Radisson.

Prof Mahmud added that the discussion on improving the quality of parliamentary democracy, how parliament would function better, promising that there would be no hartal and the opposition would not boycott parliament would be irrelevant unless a participatory election takes place.

"It's now more important that the political parties clear their positions before the people," he said, adding: "It's the political parties that will have to solve the similar problem (of election) in the future unless it's solved now."

The economist said there is no alternative to election as management of the economic risks as the fallout of the global financial crisis would require public support.

"It's essential for us to have a democratic government with public support not only to face the challenges but also to utilize the opportunities likely to appear in the global economy," he said.