Strive for unity: The opportunity must not be missed
We have been observing for quite some time a kind of tension between the interim government and political parties over reforms and elections in the country.
Differences have also been observed among the political parties on various issues. In this context, we think the dialogue of the political parties with the National Consensus Commission on Saturday was significant.
Some 100 politicians from 27 parties, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizens Committee, Islamic Movement, LDP, National Unity, Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), Khilafat Majlis, Mass Solidarity Movement, Mass Rights Parishad, and alliances participated in the dialogue.
According to newspaper reports, leaders of almost all political parties and alliances besides the chief advisor Prof. Muhammad Yunus spoke. The chief adviser termed the event as the second chapter of the interim government to build consensus on the recommendations of the six reform commissions.
Mentionable that the commissions formed to reform the country’s electoral system, police, judiciary, public administration, constitution and anti-corruption have submitted their reports. A seven-member National Consensus Commission was recently formed with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus as President and Ali Riaz as Vice-President to build a consensus on the entire reform. And the term is fixed for six months. Dr. Yunus made it clear to the political parties that the interim government will not impose any decision. Rather, he added, the political parties will decide on this.
Reportedly, the ultimate goal of the National Consensus Commission is to produce a July Charter based on the views of political parties on reforms.
Though the voices of political party leaders are optimistic about the consensus, there are differences of opinion on the decision-making process and the timing of elections. Many parties have called for early national elections with minimal reforms, while some have emphasized on comprehensive reforms.
There is also a debate about whether the national elections will come first or the local elections first.
No one will deny that elections are essential for the transition to democracy. Political parties may have arguments, but they must agree on some reform issues. Reforms cannot be ignored to strengthen the democratic structure of the country.
What is most important is the concentration and sincerity of the political parties in implementing the charter that will be created through the dialogue. The nation’s golden opportunity will depend entirely on political understanding. We hope political parties will learn from past mistakes.