Editor's Pick

Dr. Yunus' peace formula and reality

19 December 2006, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Kamal Tauseef, Canada
Whereas the two top leaders of two main rival parties in Bangladesh don't see eye to eye, Dr. Yunus' coalition proposal to resolve political impasse seems to be a far cry. Moreover, present caretaker chief has already demonstrated enough evidences of partisanship. It was a golden opportunity for the President-cum-Chief Adviser to rise above party politics and show courage to resolve political crisis. But, his activities for last one month clearly indicates his reluctance to meet the demand of time. The following instances are given below to show his allegiance towards a particular party:

1. Although 10 advisers have been appointed with the history of checkered career and personal integrity, he does not take them in full confidence when taking important decisions.

2. Caretaker chief kept all the important portfolios under him, which shows his lack of confidence towards other advisers.

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3. Whereas 14 parties were demanding removal of Chief Election Commissioner and reconstitution of Election Commission, he rather appointed two Commissioners one of whom was an aspiring BNP candidate in parliamentary election.

4. Transfer of some officials from one place to another does not prove anything of neutrality.

5. After the Uttara incident of clandestine meeting of bureaucrats, the terms of reference of the investigation clearly shows his biasness towards

BNP.

6. Although 14 parties raised complaint about his previous press secretary, he rather promoted him instead of replacing him.

7. Surreptitious declaration of election schedule without the knowledge of his advisers is indication of his unwillingness to conduct a credible election.

This list can be longer. In my opinion, the honourable chief adviser failed to utilise the benefit of doubt that the 14-party alliance showed to him. If he is sincere enough, still there are lots of ways to be able to conduct a credible election in time.

Everything can be done within the constitution, which is desired, by both BNP and Awami League alliances. Here are few suggestions:

(a) Reconstituting Election Commission with neutral personnel, not by replacing one with another pro-BNP person;

(b) Correction of voter list excluding false voters and including genuine voters;

(c) Temporarily removing current election officers who were appointed by the previous government.

I think fulfilment of the above-mentioned suggestions will pave a good way for the 14-party alliance to participate in the election, and those due demands can be met within the constitution; only true intention is a requirement. But the unvarnished truth is that the chief adviser does not want to be neutral and appears to be the only predicament in resolving the political impasse.
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