DHAKA: Two messages are clear like crystal from question-answer session of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s post-UAE visit press conference at Gono Bhaban in this autumn afternoon.

That she does not rule out the possibility of snap polls, and that she has firmest determination to carry out the trial of the war criminals no matter whatever is said by the western world, the major destination of our export products.

Replying to the very first question of the lively press meet, Sheikh Hasina did not hesitate to admit that the January 5 election was a compulsion as per constitutional obligation.

She also refused a suggestion that there is no scope of any election before the present Parliament completes its tenure in 2019.

PM Hasina made it clear that they have been elected for five years as described in the constitution. But, she herself raised the point that there is scope of early election in a parliamentary system.

The Prime Minister said that the election will be held in due course of time, but did not mention the year 2019 as it is said repeatedly by her ministers and party leaders.

Oh! Yes, the election is not going to be held day after tomorrow and there was no indication of holding the polls under a non-party government. 

Yet, the opposition parties on streets, particularly the BNP, can see a ray of hope to catch the next train of power and they do not need to wait for another long four years.

They can consider the words “due course of time” as an indication of a mid-term election. The not-mentioning of 2019 can be the hope for them and now they can concentrate their politics on that.

However, from Prime Minister’s statement it is clear that the political moves by BNP with their main partner Jamaat-e-Islami and western world will not be so easy.

Sheikh Hasina made it clear that her position on trial of the war criminals will be as strong as she had in the past few years.

The PM in her press meet was asked about the European Union’s reaction to the death sentence given to Jamaat Ameer and chief of Al-Badr, Motiur Rahman Nizami, for his crimes during the war of liberation in 1971.

In reply, Sheikh Hasina in one side pointed out the trial of Second World War criminals, their hanging and still the trial procedures if a war criminal is caught no mater whatever aged he is.

On the other hand, she raised questions that where was their (EU) voice for human rights when Israeli forces were killing innocent Palestinians, including the children and new-born babies.

Remember her body language when she was directly critical about the EU.

Some may say that the PM was not too diplomatic, but that is the character of a true statesman.

“.... And now they are trying to talk about human rights of the war criminals (of Bangladesh) who had violated the rights of millions by killing, mass killing, rape and arson,” Hasina said in an apparent emotion-choked voice.

Her statement sent the message that she will not compromise at least on this issue of trial of the war criminals.

Yes, Sheikh Hasina deserves a standing ovation for her strong commitment for holding the trial for crimes against humanity, even taking the risk of her own life.

The Prime Minister also deserves hats off reception for her position on next election that she is not adamant to continue until 2019.

Who knows she will not come back for another five-year tenure to celebrate the golden jubilee of Bangladesh in 2021!

** UAE assures to recruit manpower: PM 

BDST: 1925 HRS, OCT 30, 2014