Political analysts are looking at the initiative for talks as a positive sign. They feel that with the planned talks, the political parties have moved away from an inflexible position.
They also believe that with the discussion, hope of free, fair elections has taken shape among the people of the country.
Any dialogue led by BNP would not have been easy but since it’s spearheaded by Dr. Kamal, there may be a chance for some fruitful outcome, political observers feel.
Former Dhaka University professor Syed Anwar Hossain told Bangla Tribune: “I am a bit sceptical because past history of dialogue is not hope-inducing.”
He, however, said he “earnestly” hopes that this time the talks will bear some result and won’t end inconclusively.
The academic-cum-political analyst also cautioned that Dr. Kamal Hossain is actually advocating BNP’s 7 and 11 point demands.
“One has to consider if the pact which he represents ever gave Bangladesh democracy in the past.”
Another former Dhaka University professor Syed Manzurul Islam feels that the dialogue will reduce the gap between the two sides.
Dr. Kamal is a seasoned politician and led by him, the talks will run smoothly, he hoped. “Even if there’s ten percent achievement from the talks, then that will be a great progress.”
Analysing the prime minister’s interest in the dialogue, he added: “Perhaps the prime minister is confident of another term and, in such a scenario, if the BNP or others win around one hundred seats then the next government will be more acceptable in the global arena.”
Saying yes to the dialogue has put a pressure on the BNP and now they will see taking part in the elections as a moral duty, feels Islam.
Describing the talks as a laudable move, Tarek Shamsur Rehman, who teaches International Relations at Jahangirnagar University, said, “But both sides need to show a desire for compromise.”
Dialogue is just a start but if this begins with optimism, then the people of this country will be happy, said executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman.
