Neither did they greet each other, although the two former prime ministers, Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, attended the same programme after a long time on the occasion of Armed Forces Day yesterday.

Reporters and photojournalists kept a sharp watch if the two leaders exchange smiles or pleasantries, which would have been a relief in the present tension-packed pre-election politics. But all the anticipation went in vain, despite them sitting in opposite isles facing each other on two sides of the same stage under a canopy.

Both the leaders were found greeting other party leaders and exchanging pleasantries with them with smiles while constantly avoiding each other.

They arrived at the Senakunja reception five minutes apart and even left the venue almost at the same time, and both seemed to have had a good time.

Khaleda sat next to Roushan Ershad and exchanged greetings with other party leaders and diplomats. So did Hasina, but they did not talk to each other.

When asked for a comment as the two did not exchange even a word, the BNP chief said she talked to all the guests.

Awami League Chief Hasina however said she was happy to be at the event and to meet all the people there, as she has been barred for the last five years from it.

When asked, why she did not talk to Khaleda, she replied, "I talked to a lot of people, all the people who I was supposed to talk to."