NYT talks of 'sanctions'
Prime Minister Hasina needs to restore autonomy to Bangladesh’s judiciary, stop persecuting human rights activists and work with the political opposition to find an acceptable transitional government ahead of next year’s election," the editorial says.
The NYT has put the blame for the present crisis in Bangladesh fair and square on Hasina's shoulders.
"Since the year began, a series of general strikes have paralyzed Bangladesh, and hundreds have died in violent clashes between rival political factions.
“Top opposition leaders and human rights activists have been arrested. Courts have delivered guilty verdicts and death sentences that flout the most basic standards of due process.
"Responsibility for this crisis sits squarely with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League party."
The editorial says Hasina seems determined to hang on to power.
The editorial warns that banning the Jamaat was a mistake.
"The Jamaat-e-Islami party, an ally of the B.N.P., has been banned from participating in the upcoming elections. Many Bangladeshis who support the Awami League fear that Islamist parties are threatening the foundation of a country that fought bitterly to separate from Pakistan in 1971.
“But banning Jamaat-e-Islami from participating in the electoral process is only forcing frustrated supporters into the streets."
But the worst attack is against the war crimes trials.
"Meanwhile, trials held by the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh, which was set up in 2009 to try people accused of committing atrocities during the 1971 war with Pakistan, have targeted opposition leaders.
“The tribunal appears to be yet another tool to stifle political opponents."
The NYT has put the blame for the present crisis in Bangladesh fair and square on Hasina's shoulders.
"Since the year began, a series of general strikes have paralyzed Bangladesh, and hundreds have died in violent clashes between rival political factions.
“Top opposition leaders and human rights activists have been arrested. Courts have delivered guilty verdicts and death sentences that flout the most basic standards of due process.
"Responsibility for this crisis sits squarely with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League party."
The editorial says Hasina seems determined to hang on to power.
The editorial warns that banning the Jamaat was a mistake.
"The Jamaat-e-Islami party, an ally of the B.N.P., has been banned from participating in the upcoming elections. Many Bangladeshis who support the Awami League fear that Islamist parties are threatening the foundation of a country that fought bitterly to separate from Pakistan in 1971.
“But banning Jamaat-e-Islami from participating in the electoral process is only forcing frustrated supporters into the streets."
But the worst attack is against the war crimes trials.
"Meanwhile, trials held by the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh, which was set up in 2009 to try people accused of committing atrocities during the 1971 war with Pakistan, have targeted opposition leaders.
“The tribunal appears to be yet another tool to stifle political opponents."
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