Govt must take political parties on board for Rakhine humanitarian corridor: Nahid
His remarks come in response to recent media reports that the interim government has agreed in principle to a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine at the UN’s request
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has said the government should hold talks with political parties before deciding to provide an UN-supervised humanitarian corridor to deliver aid to Myanmar's conflict-ridden Rakhine State.
"Political parties have no clear understanding of the issue. A national dialogue is needed on the humanitarian corridor," he told reporters following a meeting with leaders of the Islami Andolon Bangladesh at the latter's Paltan headquarters in the capital today (30 April).
His remarks come in response to recent media reports that the interim government has agreed in principle to a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine at the UN's request.
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Nahid Islam said that the Awami League must be brought to justice as a party, and its registration should be suspended during the trial.
He added, "Extortion and other old corrupt practices are resurfacing across the country. Both parties [NCP and Islami Andolan Bangladesh] will take a firm stand against such activities. If the old culture returns, it will be resisted. There is no scope for elections without reforms."
Echoing Nahid, Islami Andolan Bangladesh's Ameer, Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim, said, "There is no scope for elections without reforms and justice. These must be ensured first."
Nahid Islam said, "We [NCP and Islami Andolan] have found common ground on most issues. Even where there are differences, we are open to dialogue for consensus."
He gave an example: "On reforms, Islami Andolan is calling for proportional representation in both chambers of the parliament. We are proposing it only in the upper house. We agreed to discuss the matter. We've called for a Constituent Assembly, and so have they."
He said, "We have agreed to put the Awami League on trial as a party, suspend its registration, and ban its political activities during the trial. These discussions will continue. If needed, we will mobilise people on the ground around these issues."
"There was also discussion on local elections. We have agreed on holding local elections to reduce public suffering and ensure citizen services. Meanwhile, the Election Commission is focusing only on election preparations while ignoring the need for reforms. This is creating doubt among the public," Nahid Islam added.
Ameer of Islami Andolan, Rezaul Karim, said, "Many of our views align closely with those of the NCP on the ground. Today, we were able to hold discussions, and our morale has been further strengthened."
