Western diplomats press for dialogue to end impasse

Diplomats of European nations, Australia and Canada have put emphasis on holding a dialogue among major political parties to resolve the current political impasse by shunning the path of violence.
The diplomats of eight countries made their observations while they met some BNP policymakers at a residence in Gulshan last night apparently to share the overriding concern.
Insiders have it that the envoys said there is no alternative to holding a dialogue between the ruling and opposition parties to settle the political deadlock and they also urged the opposition to shun the path of violence.The BNP policymakers briefed the foreign diplomats about the country’s latest development in the political arena, government’s “repression” on its leaders and activists and presented their idea of a solution to the deepening political crisis with party chief Khaleda Zia surrounded in her Gulshan office by police for the last 13 days.
Talking to The Independent BNP standing committee member Barrister Rafiqul Islam Miah, however said that no political issues were discussed with the diplomats. “It was absolutely a social invitation,” he added.
Former army chief and also a standing committee member said, “I came to attend a dinner. I was invited.”
The meeting was held at the Gulsha residence of BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan, a day after the heads of missions of several countries and EU held a meeting with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and came down heavily on the violence and shrinking democratic space in Bangladesh and urged all parties to engage in dialogue.
The heads and representatives of different foreign missions including European Union, Netherlands, France, Spain, Sweden, Australia, Norway and Canada attended the meeting that lasted for over one hour from 8:30pm.
Regarding dialogue, the BNP leaders told the diplomats that they urged the government to hold a dialogue for an inclusive poll but the ruling party does not respond to them.
They informed them the opposition activists were not involved in the violence. The BNP leaders rather alleged that the government is not giving theme any political space.
Earlier, the western powers issued statements following the violence on fromer state minister for foreign affairs Reaz Rahman and disruption of communication in the country which resulted in many deaths and destruction of properties.
They have stepped up diplomatic pressure on Bangladeshi leaders to defuse escalating political turmoil that has convulsed the country following the former state minister and BNP chairperson’s adviser Reaz Rahman was shot on Tuesday.
The political situation in Bangladesh deteriorated after the one-sided general election of January 5, 2014 that BNP had boycotted.
The BNP-led alliance is carrying out nationwide blockade for an indefinite period after the government did not allow it to hold public rallies and confined Khaleda Zia to her Gulshan office since January 3 this year.
The European Union’s Head of Delegation Pierre Mayaudon led diplomats from seven Western countries – Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, France and Australia – in the meeting. The Canadian High Commissioner sent a representative to the parleys.
Apart from Khan, Standing Committee members Mahbubur Rahman and Rafiqul Islam Mia, the chairperson’s adviser Dr Mushfiqur Rahman were present.
BNP leaders drove away in a hurry without speaking to the waiting journalists. The host, Abdul Moyeen Khan also left his house along with the diplomats. – Staff Reporter