Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (October 15) said his party will consider holding dialogue if the BNP withdraws their conditions.

He said: “We have no thoughts on any conditional dialogue. We will think over it if they [BNP] withdraw the conditions.” 

Quader was talking to journalists at the secretariat in Dhaka after the US pre-election assessment delegation made recommendations including dialogue to ensure a credible, inclusive, and non-violent national election.

The Awami League leader said BNP wants a caretaker government, the resignation of the prime minister and the Election Commission, and dissolution of parliament. “We will not agree to this conditional dialogue.”

He said, “Who will they discuss with if the prime minister resigns? The president wanted to discuss, but they (BNP) rejected it. They have rejected the proposal to discuss with the Election Commission twice.”

About the recommendation made by the US delegation, Quader said the delegation did not discuss [with them] anything specific about the dialogue. “If they consider the issue now, they can make recommendations. Dialogue will not be held by one side.”

BDST: 1518 HRS, OCT 15, 2023
MN/SMS