Staff Reporter :
The much-hyped dialogue between the newly floated opposition alliance Jatiya Oikyafront and ruling Awami League (AL) led 14-party coalition held on Thursday in an effort to reach a consensus over holding the next general elections in a free, fair and credible manner.
A 20-member delegation of Jatiya Oikyafront led by Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain reached Ganobhaban at around 6:30pm to sit for talks with a 23-member delegation of the 14-party alliance led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Prime Minister welcomed the Oikyafront delegations to Ganobhaban. “I welcome you to the Ganobhaban as it belongs to all.”
In her welcome speech, Prime Minister said their main aim is to change the fate of people, take the country forward and ensure its overall development. “I can say we’re working for the country’s overall development and maintain democracy after a long struggle.”
“I’ll leave it to you to judge it. You will certainly consider how much development the country witnessed in the last nine years and 10 months. I can say Bangladesh’s general people are now having good days as their fate has changed. The trend of change we introduced is on,” she further said.
Sheikh Hasina said they were working to take the fruits of independence to every doorstep.
The dialogue began at 7p.m, which came to an end at 10.45 p.m. through a concluding remark by PM.
The delegation members of both sides attended a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The dialogue was held in a conducive environment and Prime Minister
gave a patience hearing to the consultation by all the discussants of Oikyafornt,” AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader told journalits after attending the dialogue.
He said Oikyafront delegation members placed their demands without any obstacle by the ruling party members.
“They have raised many issues relating to election time government and cases filed against opposition leaders,” said Obaidul Quader, “They also raised the issue of release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.”
Obaidul Quader said, the Oikyafront leaders raised the issue of election time government and Prime Minister placed her logic in this regard saying the polls should be held under the country’s legal system and Constitution.
He said the Prime Minister also sought a list of ‘politically motivated’ cases from the Oikyafornt leaders to take action in this regard. She (Hasina) also assured opposition of holding meetings and processions regularly across the country without harassments.
“The release of Khaleda Zia is up to the Court. It is not a matter of ruling AL,” he added.
Obaidul Quader also hinted for further talks with political parties to come a consensus over holding a free, fair and inclusive poll under the Constitution.”
Prime Minister also sought a list of politically motivated cases from the Oikyafront leaders.
While leaving the Ganobhaban Dr Kamal said the dialogue was ‘satisfactory’. It will yield positive result.
BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the dialogue saying he is ‘unhappy’ over the outcome of the talks.
Dr Kamal later a press briefing held at his residence told reporters that they have placed their demands to the Prime Minister (PM) at the dialogue. “She (Hasina) gave a long speech in the dialogue without clarifying our demands.”
The much-hyped dialogue between the newly floated opposition alliance Jatiya Oikyafront and ruling Awami League (AL) led 14-party coalition held on Thursday in an effort to reach a consensus over holding the next general elections in a free, fair and credible manner.
A 20-member delegation of Jatiya Oikyafront led by Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain reached Ganobhaban at around 6:30pm to sit for talks with a 23-member delegation of the 14-party alliance led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Prime Minister welcomed the Oikyafront delegations to Ganobhaban. “I welcome you to the Ganobhaban as it belongs to all.”
In her welcome speech, Prime Minister said their main aim is to change the fate of people, take the country forward and ensure its overall development. “I can say we’re working for the country’s overall development and maintain democracy after a long struggle.”
“I’ll leave it to you to judge it. You will certainly consider how much development the country witnessed in the last nine years and 10 months. I can say Bangladesh’s general people are now having good days as their fate has changed. The trend of change we introduced is on,” she further said.
Sheikh Hasina said they were working to take the fruits of independence to every doorstep.
The dialogue began at 7p.m, which came to an end at 10.45 p.m. through a concluding remark by PM.
The delegation members of both sides attended a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The dialogue was held in a conducive environment and Prime Minister
gave a patience hearing to the consultation by all the discussants of Oikyafornt,” AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader told journalits after attending the dialogue.
He said Oikyafront delegation members placed their demands without any obstacle by the ruling party members.
“They have raised many issues relating to election time government and cases filed against opposition leaders,” said Obaidul Quader, “They also raised the issue of release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.”
Obaidul Quader said, the Oikyafront leaders raised the issue of election time government and Prime Minister placed her logic in this regard saying the polls should be held under the country’s legal system and Constitution.
He said the Prime Minister also sought a list of ‘politically motivated’ cases from the Oikyafornt leaders to take action in this regard. She (Hasina) also assured opposition of holding meetings and processions regularly across the country without harassments.
“The release of Khaleda Zia is up to the Court. It is not a matter of ruling AL,” he added.
Obaidul Quader also hinted for further talks with political parties to come a consensus over holding a free, fair and inclusive poll under the Constitution.”
Prime Minister also sought a list of politically motivated cases from the Oikyafront leaders.
While leaving the Ganobhaban Dr Kamal said the dialogue was ‘satisfactory’. It will yield positive result.
BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the dialogue saying he is ‘unhappy’ over the outcome of the talks.
Dr Kamal later a press briefing held at his residence told reporters that they have placed their demands to the Prime Minister (PM) at the dialogue. “She (Hasina) gave a long speech in the dialogue without clarifying our demands.”
