Jatiya Party (JP-Manju) at a meeting with the prime minister yesterday said those who are accused of harbouring the militants should resign from the government and the administration for the sake of fair probe. Prime Minister Khaleda Zia assured the JP delegation that no one will be spared if the allegation against him of having links to the militancy is proved.
| That's only once it's proven, of course. In the meantime, they can remain at their desks, greasing the release of as many hard boyz as they please. No such thing as admin leave while under investigation, I'd guess... |
 The 12-member delegation led by JP Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju also suggested the prime minister take measures to resolve the current political stand-off between the government and the opposition parties and hold talks on the opposition demand for reforms in the caretaker government and electoral systems. Referring to the Awami League led 14-party opposition alliance boycotting the national dialogue on militancy, the prime minister said, "I had invited all, but they did not come. Still I am ready to sit down with them."
| "All they gotta do is call..." |
"How can we hold discussion if someone doesn't even receive the invitation letter?" a JP leader quoted her as saying. In reply, the JP leaders requested her to continue the efforts to have the opposition at the negotiating table to discuss ways to hold the next election in a free and fair manner. Otherwise, they said, the elections will be meaningless.
| You don't get the impression that's the way it's supposed to be? |
At the meeting that went for about two hours, they also suggested the government take even tougher line on militants. "The government should take a deep look into the issue to find out whether the religious extremism is being carried to Bangladesh from other places," JP Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju said at the dialogue.
| No! You don't really think it might be, do you? Certainly not from Pakland or Soddy Arabia! |
Talking to reporters, Manju said he told the premier that she should take the initiative to have the opposition parties at the discussion table. JP Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam said, "We don't have any specific information, but the government has. So they [the government] must act to curb the militants. We suggested that those who have been accused of militant links should resign from the government and the administration. A free and fair investigation is possible only if they stand down." On the first day of the dialogue, which began on December 12 amid boycott by the 14-party opposition alliance and pro-opposition professional bodies, Krishak Sramik Janata League suggested the prime minister purge ruling coalition partner Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh both from the government and the alliance for 'patronising the militant outfits'. Besides Jamaat, allegations have been levelled against a number of cabinet members of having links to the militants. |