Hasina's Political Secretary Saber Hossain Chowdhury told the news agency that the Awami League chief categorically told the envoys that her only demand is to create a level playing field for free and fair elections where voters can choose a government of their choice.

The AL president said her party and 13 allies declared the election reform agenda 18 months ago and "we've consistently maintained our stance in this regard."

The diplomats' meeting with Hasina at her Sudha Sadan residence, which lasted for one and half hours, came on the heels of the army deployment across the country.

In reply to a question, Saber said it was a pre-scheduled meeting requested by the envoys.

In the evening, the envoys called on BNP Chairperson and immediate past-prime minister Khaleda Zia at her Hawa Bhaban office.

As both sides avoided press, it could not be known what were the issues they discussed during the nearly 45-minute meeting from 6:40pm.

BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and BNP Chairperson's Adviser Reaz Rahman were present.