AL rejects BNP’s dialogue proposal

AL rejects BNP’s dialogue proposal

Dhaka, Jan 13 (Just News): Ruling Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Saturday said there is no necessity to hold dialogue with BNP on the upcoming national elections scheduled to be held at the end of 2018.

He said this at a press conference organised to give a formal reaction on the BNP's statements on the prime minister's address to the nation on Friday.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at a press conference at BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's Gulshan office urged the ruling AL to sit in dialogue to hold the national elections under a neutral government.

Ruling AL leader Obaidul Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister said the government will help the Election Commission to hold the national election in a free and fair manner.

"I see no need to hold dialogue (with BNP). BNP hasn't spared the environment for dialogue. If any crisis surfaces in the future or the environment of dialogue returns to the political arena, only then we can think over it," Obaidul Quader told the press conference.

Asked whether the crisis is referred to torching vehicles and arson attacks during the 5 January elections of 2014, Obaidul Quader said, if any crisis is created, BNP with the support of the people will not be able to launch a movement.

AL general secretary said the elections will not be held for burning people to death. BNP has to suffer for a long period for this, he added.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina in her address to the nation said the national election will be held as per the provision of the constitution.

BNP has been alleging that the national election will not be free and fair under the partisan government.

AL joint general Mahbub Alam Hanif, Organising secretary Ahmed Hossain, office secretary Abdus Sobhan, among others, were present at the press briefing.

(Justnews/ys/2300hr)