Visiting UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco on Monday reiterated the UN call for a meaningful and constructive political dialogue to create conducive conditions urgently to successfully hold election, saying that the ‘time is running out.’
“…the time is running out…the quicker the dialogue starts, I think, the easier it would be to find solutions,” he told a crowded press conference at Sonargaon Hotel before wrapping up his hectic Dhaka tour.
On the consequences of unreliable polls, Taranco said, “Everybody knows the consequences. The history of Bangladesh is already a good indicator what consequences can be if you don’t have a free, fair, credible election…”
He went on: “The consequences of not holding credible elections are clearly understood by all the political actors. Usually, the first impact would be on the people of this country whose economic opportunities, freedoms and aspirations can be compromised by not holding peaceful election.”
There is lot of understanding why this election is so important and crucial, Taranco said adding that it is very important to continue the path of stability, progress and development, and the people of Bangladesh deserve solutions rapidly.
“Certainly, Bangladesh has many challenges…it had also overcome many challenges in the past. Stability, peace, prosperity have been witnessed in this country… that need to continue and this election needs to happen in a peaceful, fair and credible manner,” he said.
Taranco also mentioned that the message – the election needs to happen – is what they have been communicating to everybody.
Responding to a question, Fernandez-Taranco said, “The solution has to be homegrown…we didn’t come here with any formula and to tell parties what to do. The leaders of Bangladesh have the capacity (to find ways).”
He said the offer of dialogue by the Prime Minister is an important initial step which needs now to be reciprocated, and it needs to be ensured that this process can be moved forward.
The UN official, however, said the conditions of dialogue will be fixed by the parties, and the parties have a lot of suggestions to that end. “I’m hopeful because there are lots of common grounds. There’re many similarities what they’re saying.”
He said they are here to encourage political parties to actively engage to reach to solutions, and there is a need for ‘give and take’ and
‘compromise’ to reach a solution.
Taranco said he conveyed to all interlocutors a strong message from the Secretary General about the urgent need for a more meaningful and constructive political dialogue to create conducive conditions for successful holding of elections.
He stressed that securing democracy, maintaining stability and promoting peace and development have to be the priority of everyone in this nation at this critical juncture. “It’s the responsibility of all stakeholders to work together to create a conducive environment that will allow free, fair and credible, inclusive and non-violent elections to take place.”
The UN Assistant Secretary General urged the political leaders to work together to find mutually agreeable solutions to this end.
Taranco also conveyed to his interlocutors the Secretary General’s concern about the level of violence.
The UN official encouraged all parties to find peaceful ways to resolve their differences and publicly denounce violence.
He underscored that maintaining the security of all people is paramount and that human rights and the rule of law should be respected.
Taranco also said all the political parties, leaders and civil society members will have to be equally and actively engaged in a meaningful solution for holding credible polls in the country. “There’s a need for very responsible actions from all parties.”
He said the upcoming election is crucial to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh as a young nation, and there is need for a level-playing field.
Taranco informed that he will brief the Secretary general on his return and share with him the messages and views of those that he has met.
He stressed that the UN will continue to remain engaged with Bangladesh.
Taranco who arrived here on a four-day visit on Friday leaves tonight(Monday night).
During his stay here, Taranco held talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, civil society members, diplomats and senior leaders of major political parties over the next national election.
This visit was a follow-up to his mission of December last when he had said the UN would continue its institutional and capacity-building support to the Election Commission during the next general election as it did in the 2008 polls.
On May 7, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the political and religious leaders in Bangladesh to engage in constructive dialogue and help defuse tensions.
The Secretary-General called upon all concerned to stop violence, respect the law and express their views peacefully. (Source: UNB)
