Chances of more talks: Quader

Senior Reporter: Although the Jatiya Oikya Front has found ‘no specific solution’ in the pre-election political dialogue with Sheikh Hasina, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has hinted possibilities of more talks.

“Discussions will continue,” Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader told the media after the over three and a half hours of talks.

He claimed a lot of grounds were made in the talks.

“Our leader said her door is always open for talks. They (Oikya Front) can come anytime,” he said.

Quader said they agreed on some points like letting all parties organise political programmes.

“Our leader clearly said there will be freedom to organise rallies, which means freedom of speech,” he said. 

Hasina said her government always favours new technologies like the electronic voting machines or EVMs, according to Quader.

One of the seven demands raised by the Oikya Front is withdrawal of all political cases against its leaders and activists.

Quader said Hasina asked for a list of such cases so that steps can be taken after investigation.

When the Oikya Front raised the demand for the release of jailed BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the prime minister said the issue depended on court, according to Quader.

“Many of the departments including the law-enforcing agencies will work under the EC after the announcement of the schedule. So they have nothing to be afraid of,” the Awami League leader said.

“The EC will play an independent and authoritative role. The government will only provide whatever support the EC wants. The government will not interfere in the EC’s business,” he added.



risingbd/Dhaka/Nov 2, 2018/Reza/Mukul