Political maelstrom

The AL is very adamant that it will not participate in election without electoral reform. Actually, massive reform in Election Commission and caretaker government system is very much necessary for smooth and flawless election in our country. The AL and the BNP are wasting their valuable time trading accusations. The electoral reform is the demand of all the citizenry of Bangladesh. People want vigorous reform in the Election Commission and caretaker government system, as they want to exercise their voting right successfully. The approach of the Election Commission, especially the CEC, is far from all right. Frankly speaking, election engineering may not be easy to prevent. But we want a political denouement in the reform talks. The AL cannot insist on BNP to jettison Jamaat, a staunch ally of the ruling party. Though the Jamaat has a stigmatised background, it has the right to do politics according to our constitution. The AL can dictate neither the BNP nor the Jamaat. Rather, it should trounce the Jamaat with political ideology, if they have the political clout. To me, the AL should talk with them on the reform agenda. They should not procrastinate on this issue. They should talk about electoral and caretaker reform only.

The AL and the BNP should halt playing political football on the reform issue. They should keep in mind that we, the general people of the country, are not their playthings. We want to live in peace and harmony, not abused or marginalised by the political parties. The BNP should compromise with the AL for the sake of welfare of the country. Otherwise, the beleaguered public will come to the street to drive out these two undemocratic and neo-dynastic political parties. They should take lessons from Nepal and Thailand that people have supreme power to shape their destiny. Furthermore, they can take a lesson from CPI-M of West Bengal that only pro-people policy and good governance can ensure people's mandate.