A former caretaker adviser has underlined the need of consensus among political parties to spur economic growth.
Former Finance Adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam, while speaking at a bdnews24.com-organised roundtable on Saturday, said the economy will suffer if a political crisis prevailed.
“We all know what the solution is, but do not implement it. There’s no other alternative than a consensus to bring back stability.
“A way to consensus needs to be chalked out,” said Islam.
Earlier at the discussion, political analyst Salimullah Khan also emphasised a consensus upon talks among the political parties before the next parliamentary polls.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, BNP Chairperson’s adviser Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, President of the Communist Party of Bangladesh Mujahidul Islam Selim represented politicians at the debate.
Mirza Aziz said investment was needed to propel growth and added that one-fifth of the investments came from public sector and the rest from the private.
“Political stability, law and order, good governance are the key prerequisites among others for the private sector to invest.”
The former finance adviser had doubts about how long the current post-election stability will last.
“Who will guarantee that general strikes will not happen if it (shutdown) is banned?”
Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) ATM Shamsul Huda said at the discussion that the trend of ‘acceptable’ polls had been disrupted in the 10th general elections.
He urged for developing the culture of accepting election results.
The ex-CEC reflected on various reform measures the Election Commission had taken during his term.
“Ballot papers have been ‘stamped’ in the 10th national polls; an assistant presiding officer has been attacked.
“It is a barrier to organising a good election,” Huda said.
“Attacks on a polling official mean attacks on the state. It remains as a bad example,” said the former CEC.
He said the government should take several long and short-term measures.
Huda favoured increasing the number of election commissioners in a bid to strengthen the Election Commission.
Apart from reforming the EC, Huda observed that cooperation of the political parties was necessary to organise a free, fair election.
“The Election Commission alone cannot do anything. Fifteen other organisations assist it. In this case, the political parties should assist [the EC],” he said.
Earlier, political analyst Salimullah Khan said, “Violence occurred over the polls this time. And the trial of (suspected) war criminals added flare to it. It’s now time to think whether something can be chalked out only for the run-up to the polls.”
CPB President Mujahidul Islam Selim asked both the major parties to be clear on the issue of Jamaat-e-Islami.
“The BNP is still hanging on to the Jamaat-e-Islami. They are not breaking off the alliance. The Awami League also needs to clarify its position on the issue,” he said.
On this issue, Salimullah Khan said those who would ally with ‘terrorists’ would be identified as ‘terrorists’ themselves.
“If the Jamaat is outlawed as a terrorist party, those who would join hands with such outlawed party will be identified in the same way. These matters should be dealt with through a consensus.”
BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said that he people’s right to vote will not return if the current situation continues.
The Jan 5 election was not ‘politically’ valid, according to the BNP Chairperson’s adviser.
“This is valid constitutionally, but not politically. In no way was it an election which represented the people’s will.
“The right to vote in the election cannot be there unless an election which is participated by all is ensured,” said the former Commerce Minister.
Veteran Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed, however, said that talks with the BNP were still on the cards.
“We have never said that there was no need for talks. The 11th parliamentary elections will definitely be held, and for that the talks will take place,” the Commerce Minister commented.
The Awami League left no stones unturned to make BNP join the polls, according to the ruling party’s Advisory Committee member. “It’s unfortunate that didn’t happen, but we tried our best.”
“An election is held for five years. A government tries to be in the office for 5 years,” added Tofail.
He said the newly-installed government would work for the prosperity of the country leaving all political divides aside.
Leading politicians, diplomats, business personalities, analysts and activists came together at bdnews24.com on Saturday to discuss where Bangladesh is heading after the elections.
Also among the discussants were leading rights activists Ayesha Khanam, Khushi Kabir and former ambassador Nasim Ferdous.
Senior journalist Amanullah Kabir and Chief Editor of Ekattor Television Mozammel Babu also joined the event.
Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com Toufique Imrose Khalidi moderated the discussion.-bdnews24.com
