A two-day 'Political Leadership Development Course' for the mid-level political leaders began at Sonargaon Hotel in the city yesterday under the auspices of National Democratic Institute (NDI).

Twenty-four leaders from BNP, Awami League, Jatiya Party and Jamaat-e-Islami are taking part in the course.

Through such courses and workshops, the NDI has been trying to develop leadership skills of the mid-ranking political leaders, said NDI country representative John James Oliver at a press conference.

Earlier, similar courses were conducted in divisional headquarters of Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet.

"The political leaders need patience and a lot of skills to negotiate with the people. But they do not have much opportunity to learn. So we are trying to offer that," said John.

The topics of the course included 'political leadership & leadership analysis', 'democracy & political leadership', and 'democracy & political participation'.

Prof. M Atiur Rahman, an instructor of the course, was also present at the press conference.