Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday blasted the recent initiative for a dialogue and said talks with the BNP chief would mean encouraging militancy.

"What's the point of holding a dialogue with Khaleda Zia? A dialogue with her would only mean encouraging militancy,” Hasina told parliament.

She also said that speaking for a dialogue with the BNP-Jamaat now means encouraging those who have been engaged in militancy and criminal activities.

The prime minister was participating in a discussion on how to create a safe environment for the SSC examinees.

She asked, “With whom will I sit? They have the smell of burnt people in their hands. I think there will be the smell of burnt people of the burn unit if one sits next to her [Khaleda].”

She continued: “Would she accept if a dialogue takes place? She won't.”

On February 9, a group of eminent personalities sent three separate letters to the president, prime minister and the BNP chairperson, requesting them to take initiatives for holding a national dialogue to resolve the ongoing political crisis.

In her parliament speech yesterday, the prime minister also talked about food supply to the BNP chief's Gulshan office. She said, “Why should food be sent to an office? You should go to office and return home after work. You should have your food at home.

“I have heard that some 50-60 people are staying there [at Khaleda's office]. Are they party activists or terrorists?”

Hasina also said the SSC exams were deferred considering safety of the examinees.