Yesterday was the first time that Khaleda came out of her office in the last three months. In fact, she took to staying at her Gulshan political office as a means of protest against the government’s actions while the members of her alliance kept the heat up on the streets and on the highways.
With city polls in Dhaka and Chittagong less than a month away, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s court appearance yesterday is obviously perceived as a relaxation of her strict stance over the last three months.
As the BNP gradually backtracks from its initially violent anti-government campaign demanding fresh national elections, a sense of relief is also beginning to set upon the people who are gradually getting back to their usual lives.
Now,the question that surfaces at this point is what the BNP-led alliance has achieved through the violent movement that claimed more than a hundred lives.
Though, the government was intent on confining Khaleda to her office, it later tried to force her out jamming telephone frequency and cutting off power. But Khaleda remained adamant and refused to leave.
In the 92 days that have elapsed in the meantime, more than 17,000 people – mainly from the alliance of political opposition that she leads – have been arrested in security crackdown. Joint Secretary General Salahuddin Ahmed – BNP’s crisis-moment communicator – mysteriously disappeared and has remained missing for almost a month now.
Because of the prevailing tension, the Secondary School Certificate and equivalent examinations – one of the biggest public exams in Bangladesh – had to be rescheduled numerous times. Scores died at burn units of public hospitals and hundreds went home maimed.
But in recent days, tensions have eased. Mass arrests have blunted the strength of the ongoing transport blockade. The BNP, for its part, has turned to active politics, deciding to take part in the April 28 city elections of Dhaka and Chittagong.
The senior BNP leader, who sought anonymity, also said: “This movement has shown us where the problem is. Everyone has understood what the weaknesses are. If one starts treatment for a disease without proper diagnosis, the disease will remain untreated.”
Political scientist Dr Ataur Rahman sees this as a win-win situation for both the major parties.
“It may mark a turning point, ushering in politics of accommodation. What remains to be seen is whether this stability sustains until the next national elections. The government should be careful and the BNP should engage in constructive criticism.”
He also said political parties should start focusing on the country instead of being bent on dethroning incumbents.
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