US embassy cable - 05DHAKA3406

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 003406 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, BG, BGD Elections 
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION LEADER URGES USG TO ENSURE LEVEL 
POLITICAL PLAYING FIELD 
 
 
Classified By: CDA Judith Chammas, Reason(s): 1.4 (b),(d) 
 
1. (C) Summary: Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina told CDA that 
the international community "has to ensure a fair election if 
you want to see us participate."  Hasina complained of BNP 
coalition "terrorism" intimidating her supporters while 
noting the achievements of past Awami League governments. End 
summary. 
 
2. (SBU) On July 13, Charge D'affaires Chammas called on 
opposition leader Sheikh Hasina with poloff (notetaker). 
Also in attendance were Awami League (AL) International 
Affairs Secretary Syed Abul Hossain and Presidium member Kazi 
Zafarullah. 
 
3. (C) CDA stressed the importance of AL participation in the 
next elections noting, as a good sign, AL General Secretary 
Abdul Jalil's recent roundtable discussions with the Health 
Minister.  The CDA asked if the result of that meeting might 
be shared.  Hasina sidestepped the question, doubting the 
BNP's sincerity and directing her remarks to the BNP's 
"terrorist" activities, noting that there are many areas 
where AL people cannot freely travel. 
 
4. (C) Encouraged by the CDA to elaborate on the AL's 
election plans, Zafarullah said, "We want to participate 
because the AL thrives on elections" but "you should make a 
level playing field."  Hasina said that "you have to ensure a 
fair election if you want to see us participate." 
 
5. (C) Hasina noted that the AL has always come to power "not 
by the bullet but by the ballot."  She cited at length AL 
achievements, including improving literacy, non-interference 
in the judiciary, increased development activities, and 
denationalizing industries.  She noted "during our time" the 
AL ensured no one suffered during floods and famine, and that 
it was the AL which introduced the idea of the caretaker 
government. 
 
6. (C) CDA inquired about the AL proposed electoral changes 
set to be announced July 15 (septel). Hasina begged off, 
saying she did not have the paper. 
 
7. (C) Comment: We should resist AL efforts to put the onus 
on the USG for creating a level political playing field, 
stressing instead that the AL should exploit, not opt out of, 
the political process.  That said, we are also stressing that 
our DG programs and our initiatives with EU and other 
like-minded embassies to strengthen the political process are 
geared to making elections more transparent and accountable. 
CHAMMAS