Create atmosphere for talks, Ashraf tells Khaleda

The ruling Awami League today called upon BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to create a congenial atmosphere for talks for an inclusive election.

"You have to create a peaceful situation through shunning killing of innocent people first and then decision on dialogue can be taken," AL general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam said at a press conference at AL chief's Dhanmondi office in the afternoon.

Syed Ashraf’s comment came a day after the BNP chief demanded talks for holding an inclusive election saying, “If the ruling party does not engage in talks, the onus is on it for solving the crisis.”

Khaleda made the demand while addressing the media at her Gulshan-2 office where she has been staying since January 3.

Reacting to the BNP chief's statement, the ruling party GS said that none across the globe holds talks with “militants and criminals”.

The way the whole world applies to resist criminalism will also be applied here, he insisted.

Khaleda’s movement is not for the election, it is only to assume power, alleged Ashraf.

"The next election will be held in proper time under the constitutional framework," he added.