They have struck a common note in the express realisation that the BNP and AL need to come out of their 'bitter' relationship for the good of the nation. When the democratic future of the country is at stake, partisan interests and considerations should be subordinated to the primacy of national unity and inter-party engagement. We are indeed happy to see that the two leaders have recognised that fact.

It is now incumbent on them, though to carry the realisation forward, build on it and resonate with the topmost leaders of their respective parties to make a dialogue possible by way of responding to the supreme need of the hour. It would be unwise to let this opportunity pass like yet another routine academic exercise characterising occasional seminars that had brought together leaders of both sides. It should not be 'important as to who takes the first move', but the initiative, must of necessity, be formally launched by the government. We do believe that by taking into confidence some key mediators from both parties, the process can be set rolling in the desired direction. We have already seen the possible willingness in this regard from the two senior leaders present in the seminar.

Indeed, it is also time for the civil society, the business community and the media to play their respective roles with utmost honesty, without any partisan consideration and without fear or favour. Yet, they can only do the facilitating job; the key role must be played by the two major political parties out of their own understanding that healthy politics is in their mutual interest, let alone national interest.