Political reconciliation with Awami League not possible without admission of crime and repentance: Information Adviser

Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Adviser to the Prime Minister, has commented that political settlement or reconciliation with Awami League is not possible without admission of crime and repentance.

He said that a section of the country is still supporters of Awami League. Therefore, an initiative for political settlement can be taken with the active workers and supporters of the party. However, before that the party will have to admit the responsibility of their activities.

He said these things in reply to questions of journalists at the weekly press briefing organised on the progress of various activities of the government at the Secretariat on Tuesday (October 6). Zahed Ur Rahman said that the main basis of reconciliation is the recognition of fundamental truth.

Citing the experience of South Africa, he said that if any group or political party has committed a crime, the discussion of reunion can advance only after admitting that crime and becoming repentant for it.

The Information Adviser said that even if crime is admitted or repentance is expressed, the responsibility of criminal offence does not end. Trial and legal measures will continue under the existing law for the concerned offence. According to him, expression of repentance is still not being seen in the statements and activities of the top leadership of Awami League after August 5. Rather, messages of threat and creating disorder are being given. In such a situation, it is difficult to discuss reconciliation from the side of the government.

Zahed Ur Rahman has advised those who are talking about taking the initiative of political settlement with Awami League to contact the top leadership of the party.

He said that if they want to reach a compromise through mediation, the necessary basic environment for reconciliation will have to be created first from the side of Awami League. He also called for speaking with the leadership of the party in this regard.

At the briefing, the Information Adviser also spoke about the recent allegations of extortion. Regarding the allegation of involvement of local-level leaders and activists of the ruling party with extortion at under-construction buildings or various institutions, he said that if anyone commits a crime by using the name of the government or the identity of the party, no concession will be given to him. He also informed that the government has made its tough position clear in this regard by taking rapid measures in the recent incident of Mirpur.

Regarding the special operation of the joint forces in curbing crime, Zahed Ur Rahman said that the capability of the police force has been largely restored in controlling the law and order situation. He thinks that the law enforcement agencies are doing regular work according to their responsibilities and it is possible to tackle the situation through the existing law and institutional structure.

He further said that no kind of crime is being given shelter from the side of the government. If anyone tries to take personal benefit by using the identity of the government party, measures will also be taken against him. The position of the government is to take measures as per law against the criminal on the basis of specific allegation and evidence, whoever’s identity he may belong to.