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Information Adviser Jahed Ur Rahman has said any political reconciliation or settlement with the Awami League must be preceded by an acknowledgement of wrongdoing and remorse by those responsible.
Speaking about the possibility of political reconciliation with the Awami League, he said the government believes reconciliation is necessary in the country, but it must have a fundamental basis.
“The basic principle of reconciliation is that the group, organisation or political party that committed crimes must acknowledge those crimes. The question of reconciliation arises only after acknowledgement and remorse,” he said.
Citing South Africa as an example, the adviser said acknowledgement of wrongdoing did not exempt anyone from the legal process for criminal offences.
He said the government found it difficult to discuss reconciliation when the party’s top leader continued to blame and threaten the government after August 5.
“If anyone wants reconciliation, they should contact the Awami League and talk to its top leadership,” he said.
Responding to allegations of extortion and attacks on construction projects in different parts of the country, and questions about the role of law enforcement agencies, Jahed said the government was not supporting any form of extortion or criminal activity.
“There is no reason for the government to provide patronage. I also do not want to dismiss allegations that someone from the ruling party may be involved in such activities. But the government will not tolerate these activities,” he said.
Referring to the government’s response to recent incidents in Mirpur, he said its actions had sent a clear message that such activities would not be tolerated.
He added that if anyone committed crimes using the name of the ruling party and law enforcement agencies failed to take prompt action, the government would have to bear the political responsibility.
Clarifying his earlier comments about joint forces’ operations to maintain law and order, Jahed said he had been misquoted.
“I did not say the joint forces were not conducting operations. I was asked a leading question about whether the joint forces were conducting operations. I said the police would continue to work as they have been doing,” he said.
He said the capability of the police had improved significantly and that the government wanted to maintain law and order through the existing law enforcement system.
“The capability of the police has largely returned. We believe the situation is moving in a positive direction. Hopefully, we will be able to deal with the situation through the existing law and order system,” he said.
The adviser said the government was taking all relevant factors into consideration as it prepared for the next national and local government elections.
