Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 713 Wed. May 31, 2006  
   
Metropolitan


New Swedish Envoy Meets AL Chief
No cooperation from govt in holding dialogue: Hasina


Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has alleged that her party did not get genuine cooperation from the government side in holding dialogue with the ruling party on electoral reforms.

The allegation came when newly appointed Swedish Ambassador F Dritt Hagstron met Sheikh Hasina, also leader of the opposition in parliament, at her Sudha Sadan residence in the city yesterday.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, AL presidium member Kazi Zafrullah said the opposition leader also informed the Swedish envoy of her party's interest and placing of proposal in parliament on dialogue and even sending names of five representatives to BNP secretary general for the dialogue.

The ambassador told the newsmen that during the one-hour meeting, they discussed matters relating to bilateral interest, current political situation in Bangladesh, price hike of essentials, law and order, and reduction of poverty.

"Sweden as well as European Union want a free, fair and transparent general election in Bangladesh. The election should be fair and impartial from the beginning to the end," said Ambassador Hagstron.

AL Forest and Environment Affairs secretary Hasan Mahmud and former ambassador Ziauddin were present at the meeting.