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Dialogue for democracy

Though a little late, the CTG has started ^the process for formal dialogue with the political parties. The dialogue has to be an open and frank discussion of ideas to attain mutual understanding, though its outcome remains always uncertain. Its success depends on respect for each others' views, proper realisation of the situation, and realistic expectation.

A.B.M.S. Zahub
WE are all anxiously waiting for a free, fair and credible election, which is expected to be held before the year is out. The chief adviser and the army chief have repeatedly assured us of such an election. The Election Commission is reported to be working hard to complete work relating to voters, registration, finalising the discussions with the political parties about electoral reforms, and redrawing constituencyboundaries.
The CTG has completed predialogue deliberations in consultation with the political parties. Soon, the CA will announce the date for the final dialogue. Despite all the activities, we remain uncertain about the fate of the national election because of so many hurdles on the way.
Whatever may happen, there still remains a possibility of the return of political instability ahead of the election because - lack of preparations by major political
parties and confusion surrounding the fate of the two detained former premiers. Some analysts observed that credible and participatory elections would be extremely difficult. However, though the situation has not yet reached crisis point, we have good reasons for accepting such an observation.
Though a little late, the CTG has started the process for formal dialogue with the political parties. The dialogue has to be an open and frank discussion of ideas to attain mutual understanding, though its outcome remains always uncertain. Its success depends on respect for each others' views, proper realisation of the situation, and realistic expectation.
Both the parties must make sincere effort and be ready to sacrifice to accommodate each others' reasonable and rational views. There must not be any mistrust between the two sides. The CTG must strongly believe that no roadmap for election can be viable if not agreed to by all major actors.
On the other hand, the political
parties should also realise the harsh truth that the longer they resist the initiative for internal reforms to sustain democracy in the longer run the more the chance of undercutting the movement and momentum towards democracy.
The dialogue must clear the air and build the confidence of the electorate and gain assurances of at least major parties. We should be clear about lifting of the ban on political activities outside Dhaka, and the status of the two detained former premiers.
The major political parties are unanimous about the election to transfer power to an elected government, freedom of political activities and lifting of state of emergency. It is obvious that the major parties may like to discuss about the release of their top leaders as early as possible to revitalise their parties.
Some say that the smaller political parties have a different view about the election schedule. They want emergency to continue as long as possible to assist the CTG in the clearing operation and to make
the field level before the election.
Indeed, the CTG is passing through a difficult time. Notwithstanding sincere efforts, it could not hold the price rise of essential commodities. The rate of inflation is high. This is hurting the middle class, lower middle class and the poor badly. The administration appears to be unhappy due to stalemate in the recruitment process of civil servants, existing civil servants are too busy in the preparation of routine reports, attending too many meetings, satisfying queries of various agen-cies like Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), Establishment Division and theCA's office.
Despite working hard the EC is lagging behind, and it is not yet certain as to which should be given priority, the election of local bodies or the national election. So long as voter registration is not completed it may not be possible to announce the dates for election. What would be the fate of reform of the political parties is not yet clear.
'Die CTG, it appears, is under pressure from the donors for announcing the date for election. The civil society in general recommends an early transfer of power to an elected government. The common people are unhappy because of high price of essentials, inflation, and slowing down of development activities
The most difficult job before the CTG appears to be regularisation of work done by it, barring the rich and influential politicians with dubious pasts from re-entering the political arena. It is hoped that people would not like to go back to the days prior to one eleven.
Though some major political parlies are not interested in reforming their parties the CTG may try to convince them of its need. They should be told that they failed to establish good governance, undertake political reforms, and even create a democratic culture in politics.
The days of political confrontation, street agitations, political
killings, taking soft line against terrorists, and dividing the nation into various camps are over.
Time is running out. The CTG must finish the dialogue as quickly as possible, ask the EC to complete its job rapidly, Jake clear and firm decision about political parties' reform, take proper steps to ensure regularisation of its works done so far and announce date of lifting or relaxing emergency.
To make the election successful, and to handover power to an elected government, let there be no creation of any hurdle. We wish for a democratic regime.
A B M S. Zahur is a former joint secretary