OPPOSITION LEADER URGES USG TO ENSURE LEVEL

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 003406

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV BG BGD
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION LEADER URGES USG TO ENSURE LEVEL
POLITICAL PLAYING FIELD


Classified By: CDA Judith Chammas, Reason(s): 1.4 (b),(d)


1. (C) Summary: Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina told CDA that
the international community "has to ensure a fair election if
you want to see us participate." Hasina complained of BNP
coalition "terrorism" intimidating her supporters while
noting the achievements of past Awami League governments. End
summary.


2. (SBU) On July 13, Charge D'affaires Chammas called on
opposition leader Sheikh Hasina with poloff (notetaker).
Also in attendance were Awami League (AL) International
Affairs Secretary Syed Abul Hossain and Presidium member Kazi
Zafarullah.


3. (C) CDA stressed the importance of AL participation in the
next elections noting, as a good sign, AL General Secretary
Abdul Jalil's recent roundtable discussions with the Health
Minister. The CDA asked if the result of that meeting might
be shared. Hasina sidestepped the question, doubting the
BNP's sincerity and directing her remarks to the BNP's
"terrorist" activities, noting that there are many areas
where AL people cannot freely travel.


4. (C) Encouraged by the CDA to elaborate on the AL's
election plans, Zafarullah said, "We want to participate
because the AL thrives on elections" but "you should make a
level playing field." Hasina said that "you have to ensure a
fair election if you want to see us participate."


5. (C) Hasina noted that the AL has always come to power "not
by the bullet but by the ballot." She cited at length AL
achievements, including improving literacy, non-interference
in the judiciary, increased development activities, and
denationalizing industries. She noted "during our time" the
AL ensured no one suffered during floods and famine, and that
it was the AL which introduced the idea of the caretaker
government.


6. (C) CDA inquired about the AL proposed electoral changes
set to be announced July 15 (septel). Hasina begged off,
saying she did not have the paper.


7. (C) Comment: We should resist AL efforts to put the onus
on the USG for creating a level political playing field,
stressing instead that the AL should exploit, not opt out of,
the political process. That said, we are also stressing that
our DG programs and our initiatives with EU and other
like-minded embassies to strengthen the political process are
geared to making elections more transparent and accountable.
CHAMMAS