CG SYSTEMLet's talk, but within verdict: govt to BNP

Dhaka, June 18 (bdnews24.com) ? The government has said its action on the caretaker government issue will be within the periphery of the court verdict.

"Whatever will happen to the caretaker government system, it will be in line with the court verdict," Awami League general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam told reporters after a meeting of the party on Saturday.

"We haven't said that the door to discussion has been closed. It's still open. Whoever says whatever, the discussion will be held. We just want that it is held at the right time," Syed Ashraf said.

In reply to the BNP's allegation that the government lacks sincerity on the discussion, he said, "Our call for the discussion is not a farce."

The Supreme Court on May 10 repealed the 13th Amendment to the constitution that introduced the caretaker government, but said the next two general elections could be held under unelected rulers.

However, the special parliamentary committee on charter review has proposed to scrap the system.

On Friday, Syed Ashraf said his party was ready to settle the caretaker government issue anytime, anywhere ? in or outside parliament.

His unconditional offer came a day before a belligerent BNP announced three-day agitation protesting government move to repeal the system.

The BNP, along with its key ally Jamaat-e-Islami, staged two general strikes demanding that the system be retained.

Only last week, BNP enforced a 36-hour lockdown throughout Bangladesh, the first such harsh anti-government campaign since the Awami League returned to power two-and-a-Half years ago.

DISCUSSIONS CAN DELIVER

Pointing out that discussion was the only way to settle any issue, Syed Ashraf said, "Acceptable settlement is possible through discussion. But whatever we do, we'll have to honour the court verdict."

He urged the media to play a significant role in creating a friendly environment for the discussion.

He also urged everyone to be patient. "The opposition leader [Khaleda Zia] has agreed to discuss three of the four issues. She'll agree for the other one, too."

About Khaleda's allegation that the government was misinterpreting the Supreme Court verdict repealing the caretaker government system, Syed Ashraf said, "Discussion is also needed for this. It is possible to reach a decision if we misinterpret the court verdict."

DEAL WITH US FIRM

Ashraf slated those who are opposing the deal with the US firm ConocoPhillips to lift gas from deep sea. "Some people don't want that the natural resources of the country be used properly."

"This deal is not illegal. It is not the first of its kind. Many such deals with foreign firms were signed in the past and many will be done in the future," he said.

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