Most Read

Can we get along?

23 February 2005, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Dev Boston University
23 February 2005, 18:00 PM
As we have witnessed for the past 10-15 years, both the major parties have failed to come to any common ground to deal with the country's problems. I do not see much ideological difference between these two parties but they are becoming their worst enemies. The ruling party members think that they can ride out the storm with their eyes closed as long as extremists are not targeting their people. Well, that may be true for the time being, but I would not be too sure about that in the long run. If terrorism is not dealt with adequate force, it will cause pain in the years to come. This was well articulated by former American president Clinton when he met then self-appointed president Musharraf during his brief Pakistan visit. He bluntly told Musharraf that terrorism would eventually destroy Pakistan from within if he didn't move against it. The man who was thought to be a hard-liner at that time has now become a moderate and taking Pakistan to a new era of civility, stability and prosperity. We do not know how long this will last for Pakistan but let us hope for the best!

The question is whether the BNP would allow itself to be a pawn of right-wingers and make us lose everything that we have achieved since 1971. Would it prefer to have constant daily confrontations with major opposition party supporters? Or, would it choose a middle way, promote rule of law and rule the country from a centrist position?

The opposition party has not done any better! I can understand the pain and fear of being bombed again and again but the party should be engaged in parliamentary activities, not in street protests. I do not see this as a weakness for opposition party. No need to call repeated hartals on behalf of poor citizens who need to feed their families with their day pays. The opposition needs to keep the issues burning but clear strategic goals must be laid out within the framework of democratic norms. And, all these can be done within the walls of parliament!

Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

Getting rid of current government by mass protest is not a good idea! Let us use the ballot box! Let us build a long-term democratic tradition!