BNP welcomes concerned citizens' move for dialogue

The BNP yesterday extended its support to “concerned citizens”' initiative for ending the ongoing political crisis, saying it was ready to welcome any move to form a national consensus and hold talks for an all-inclusive election.

“We welcome any initiative for a national consensus, national dialogue and formation of a national charter in a bid to hold participatory and acceptable polls under a non-party government.”

The party also welcomed business leaders' warning that they would not give any tax and bills for utility services to the government if it did not take initiative for resolving the ongoing political stalemate.

“People from all walks of life are now united to fulfil the national desire for rebuilding the country on a solid foundation and globally recognised democratic state institutions,” BNP joint secretary general Salahuddin Ahmed said in a statement.

He said Khaleda was ready to make the supreme sacrifice and face repression to this end.

On February 13, a group of eminent citizens under the banner of “concerned citizens” formed a 13-member committee, headed by former chief election commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda, for initiating a national dialogue among political parties to resolve the country's ongoing political crisis.

The platform urged the political parties to create an environment for dialogue, putting an end to ongoing violence across the country.

Earlier on February 9, three letters, signed by ATM Shamsul Huda on behalf of Nagorik Samaj, were sent to the president, the prime minister and the BNP chief, requesting them to take initiatives from their respective positions for holding a dialogue to overcome the ongoing political standoff.