Solution matter of a day, if govt agrees to talk

The ongoing political stalemate can be resolved in a day if the government agrees to talk to the opposition alliance, BNP Vice-chairman Sadeque Hossain Khoka said on Sunday.

At a views exchange meeting with media representatives in New York, where he has been being treated for cancer since June last year, Khoka said dialogue could be held on the basis of Khaleda Zia's seven-point proposal placed on December 31.

The proposal includes holding of a fresh all-inclusive election as soon as possible, creating a level- playing field for all parties, reconstitution of the Election Commission, dissolving the parliament and cabinet. 

Khoka said talks could start at the expert level as pre-cursor to the top-level dialogue. Civil society members can also join the open discussion, to be aired on the national television.

"We are ready to sit in any type of dialogue. We are not saying that Sheikh Hasina will have to quit tomorrow and we will grab power immediately. We want a fair democratic system restored. We will concede if Sheikh Hasina or any other force comes in power through that process."