Attenuate not accentuate acrimony

May 5 had given us a satisfaction and immense hope. We were very encouraged to see the positive vibes emanating from the two political parties at their rallies on that day. It was indeed a relief to hear the two parties talk of moving forward and of abjuring violence, particularly the BNP position on future politics. While welcoming the development we had suggested that the good words should be translated into positive actions.

However, we are surprised by the prime minister's equating the role of the BNP chairperson in the acts of violence, between January and April of last year, to that of the war criminals. We had severely censured Khaleda Zia for the unmitigated pain inflicted on the people then, and we continue to do so, but we feel that equating that with war crimes dilutes the sanctity of the Liberation War, not to speak of the denigration it causes to the memory of the three million martyrs and quarter of a million Biranganas tortured by the Pakistan army. We recall when the word 'genocide' was used by the BNP chairperson with reference to an incident of deaths not long ago, we had protested strongly since that not only made light of a matter like genocide but also demeaned the memory of our martyrs.

We are dismayed that when the AL secretary general talks of moving forward and taking politics towards a less conflictive position, words conveying contrary meanings are articulated form others in the party. Indeed, what is urgently needed now is to create grounds for understanding and removing the current hostility between the two parties. We wonder whether the comments of the prime minister would contribute to either.