Caretaker or national government?

They demand reforms in the caretaker government system and appointment of Chief Adviser of the caretaker govt. and Chief Election Commissioner on the basis of consensus of all political parties. They also want to transfer the power of the Ministry of Defence from the elected President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to the temporary un-elected Chief Adviser of the caretaker govt.

They threaten and warn that if their demands are not accepted they would not only boycott but also oppose holding of the scheduled general elections in 2006.

But unfortunately they do not suggest any system or procedure, rules or regulations as to how the Chief Adviser and the Chief Election Commissioner would be appointed on the basis of consensus of all political leaders and what is the definition of a political party and a political leader.

We are also surprised that Dr Kamal Hossain of Gono Forum and Dr B Chowdhury of Bikalpa Dhara demand dissolution of the alliance government of BNP-Jamaat and formation of a national government for holding the scheduled general elections. They also do not explain to us on the basis of what rules or regulations and constitutional provisions the national government would be formed. They do not tell us as to who would become the prime minister and how the ministers of the national government would be appointed.

The ruling BNP-Jamaat coalition is adamant to hold the general elections in 2006 under the caretaker government, as envisaged in our constitution.

Are not the Awami League led 14-party alliance, Gono Forum and Bikalpa Dhara Company and BNP-Jamaat coalition moving in three opposite directions in a dark tunnel with no light at the end of it?

We would humbly request our top political leaders to kindly sit together, exchange views and opinions, make a correct decision on holding of the uncertain and doubtful scheduled general elections in 2006 and save our country from chaos, confusion and civil disorder.