Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06DHAKA705
2006-02-09 08:37:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Dhaka
Cable title:  

MICRO-CREDIT BANK BOSS PROPOSES POLITICAL FORMULA

Tags:  PGOV BG BGD 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS DHAKA 000705 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV BG BGD
SUBJECT: 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