BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia said her party would go to polls if the government creates an election atmosphere by accepting their preconditions while Awami League president Sheikh Hasina said sooner the election is held, speedier the emergency will go, reports UNB.
The two former premiers, who had ruled the country since 1991 by turns until the latest crisis in 2007, reasserted their respective stances talking to reporters after attending a reception held at Senakunja at Dhaka Cantonment Friday evening to mark the Armed Forces Day.
Hasina said they want election and the whole country is waiting for the election.
"It is not understandable to me why emergency is being prolonged by proposing deferment of the election," she said, apparently on a note of discord with her political foe's position.
"BNP is an election-oriented party. We want to participate in the election," Khaleda, who Thursday said they would join the election if it is deferred to December 28 from December 18, told the reporters.
When the two leaders met on the lawn of the Senakunja at about 7:10pm, they were all-smiles while enquiring about their reciprocal welfare. Guests attending the military function cheered--some by clapping--at the sight of two irreconcilably rival political leaders saying hello to each other.
Earlier, they arrived at Senakunja at about 7pm under a special security arrangement provided by SSF.
Khaleda sticks to conditions, Hasina wants speedier polls
FE Team | Published: November 22, 2008 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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