Dhaka, Sep 29 Eminent jurist Rafique-ul Haq on Saturday said he will initiate steps to have Prime Minister and ruling Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia sit across the table over the caretaker government issue 'for the sake of people'.
He also made it clear that he was willing to head the poll-time government, if asked for.
"Let me speak to them. I do not believe that the two leaders do not love the country or do not believe in democracy. I am supposed to meet one of them today. Talk with the other is also possible."
"I will try my best to do this for the sake of the people," Barrister Rafique told journalists at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Muktachinta Forum at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.
When asked if he was taking the initiative, Haq said, "You can say that I have taken the initiative to take the initiative (sic)."
Evaluating the current stance of the two parties on the issue, the veteran lawyer said, "The BNP has still not outlined its caretaker government proposal. They are speaking for it but have not detailed on who would man it and how."
"On the other hand, the Prime Minister has conceded a lot and proposed an interim government ... an interim government means that the others will also play a role.
"So, in the formation of a government with the Jatiya Party and others, the main question is who will head it? That is the million-dollar question now."
When questioned what he would do if he is asked to be the poll-time government chief, the veteran lawyer reacted, "Don't ask me embarrassing questions. But since you are asking for my decision, I will say it ... if that sort of an occasion (sic) comes, I am willing to take all responsibilities for the country and the two parties."
"The critical crisis will have to be addressed. I do not believe that the two leaders will not sit for dialogue."
He also urged the mass-media outlets to play a role. "Invite them over to some place and urge them to sit. It can even be at the Bangabandhu convention hall [Bangabandhu International Conference Centre]."
"Both of them love the country. I will urge them to sit together or the second man of their parties to sit and decide based on the opinion of the people."
The eminent jurist had earlier voiced against annulling the caretaker government system, opining that fair polls were 'impossible' without it.
He also put forward proposals for overhauling the system while giving opinions as an amicus curiae at the Appellate Division during the hearing on the 13th Amendment.
He suggested that 10 members of Parliament (MPs) should be nominated just before the term of a parliament ends to form a government for an interim period. Of them, one would be made the chief advisor to the interim government.
The Supreme Court on May 10, 2011 repealed the 13th Amendment to the constitution that had introduced the caretaker government provision in 1996.
But the court said the next two general elections could be held under unelected governments. The apex court also gave parliament the liberty to decide the issue.
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