MICRO-CREDIT BANK BOSS PROPOSES POLITICAL FORMULA

UNCLAS DHAKA 000705 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV BG BGD SUBJECT: MICRO-CREDIT BANK BOSS PROPOSES POLITICAL FORMULA ¶1. (SBU) On February 4, micro-credit pioneer and Grameen Bank Managin Dr. Muhammad Yunus proposed that political parties choose a respected find a solution to the deadlock over modalities for holding the next elections. Speaking at a gala dinner to commemorate the founding of Star newspaper, Yunus noted that even though the government is not co obliged to meet opposition demands to change the Election Commission government set-ups, there is a national interest in ending the contro focusing constructively on the next election. The selected mediator both BNP and AL leaders to devise a package solution within 30 days. could choose two assistants, and the political parties could extend t if needed. ¶2. (SBU) Neither the BNP nor the AL has formally reacted to Yunuss p However, media and civil society members have generally responded pos A BNP legislator told Pol FSN that the proposal recognizes the need t formula to ensure fair elections and thus goes against the BDG assert existing institutions and modalities are adequate to ensure fair poll echoed this view, but added that his party wont publicly endorse Yun before ensuring that it would benefit the AL. Leaders of smaller par Gono Forum and Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, have generally hailed the pr ¶3. (SBU) Several newspapers viewed Yunuss proposal as part of a move by the international community to ensure free and fair elections, while others linked it to election comments and a recent visiting EU delegation. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: While there is no reason to think the BNP will acce Yunuss action is notable as a rare instance of a prominent Banglades advancing a solution for resolving the countrys long-running politic CHAMMAS