No scope for talks with BNP on polls
Says Quader; Fakhrul criticises AL gen secy's comments, says dialogue a must
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday ruled out the possibility of talks with the BNP over the next elections, while the BNP said dialogue is a must for finding ways for holding fair and inclusive national polls.
"There is no scope for holding political dialogue with the BNP. It is the BNP who has spoiled the atmosphere for holding talks,” Quader told reporters after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla at the Secretariat.
Quader said, “Why should there be discussions with the BNP? Did they [BNP] leave the path to dialogue open? It is the BNP who had closed the path."
In another programme, the AL general secretary said BNP's activities were limited to holding press briefings at its office.
On the next polls, the newly-elected AL general secretary said, “There is a constitution, and the election will be held as per the charter. There is no scope for bringing changes to the constitution in this regard, and the BNP will have to accept this.”
Responding to a query about the BNP's participation in the next national polls, Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said they had the chance to take part in the previous election, but they could not make the right decision at that time.
"If they can't make the right decision about the upcoming polls, it will be a big mistake for them,” he said.
About the Teesta river water-sharing deal with India, Quader said it would be resolved very soon, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina might visit India in December.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sharply criticised Quader for his comment that there was no need to hold any dialogue with the BNP, saying that holding talks is essential “for the sake of a credible and inclusive election” in the country.
“There's no other way but to hold talks for restoration of true democracy and for holding a free, fair and inclusive election in the country. An acceptable and effective way will have to be found for a free and fair election through discussions with all political parties,” he added.
Fakhrul made the remarks yesterday while talking to the media after placing wreaths at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's grave with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the party, marking its 38th founding anniversary.
About Quader's comments, the BNP leader said, “The Awami League general secretary is naturally very excited as he has just been elected to the post. That's why he made such remarks.”