Bangladesh must get down to talks now
Genuine peace is possible only if the two political sides thrash out their differences at the table
The outcome of the national elections in Bangladesh was never in doubt after a boycott called by the opposition. The ruling Awami League has won more than half the seats in the 300- member parliament amid violence and poor voter turnout. Political violence in Bangladesh has claimed more than 500 lives in 12 months. Buses have been set on fire, opposition- enforced blockades have paralysed the country and the garment industry has suffered a loss of at least $ 3.8 million ( Dh13.97 million) last month as foreign orders were cancelled.
All this is a result of years of fighting between the two parties led by Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia. The country has been ruled by either of these women from powerful political families for nearly 22 years.
However, after fresh polls, the country continues to stare down a tunnel with no light at the end of it. The European Union, US and British Commonwealth refused to send observers for the election, saying they were not inclusive.
There are also fears that the turmoil could lead to radicalisation in the country, with the main Islamist party, Jamaat- e- Islami, banned from elections and many of its leaders in custody or facing execution.
Following the vote, the Awami League has promised to end militancy and the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has extended a general strike. Despite reports saying that the government was leading the country towards disaster, a senior official ruled out early talks with the opposition over a roadmap for a new vote.
In fact, talks are what Bangladesh needs the most now. A victory at the hustings without the opposition taking part is but a pyrrhic one.
And continuing to fight battles on the streets, without winning the hearts of the people, will not solve the problems the country faces today. Genuine peace can only be achieved when the two sides feel the need to thrash out their differences at the table.
Until this is done, lives will be lost, the economy will flounder and the common man will suffer.