AL agrees on dialogue with Oikya Front over polls

A day after its letters to Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and General Secretary Obaidul Quader, the ruling party agreed to sit in dialogue with Jatiya Oikya Front leaders over the next general election very soon, report agencies.
"Awami League has agreed to hold talks with Oikya Front leaders and our President Sheikh Hasina will lead the dialogue," said Obaidul Quader on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference at the AL president's Dhanmondi office, he said the Oikya Front leaders will soon be informed about the date and venue of the dialogue.
Quader also said Sheikh Hasina herself took the decision on the talks.
Earlier on Sunday, Jatiya Oikya Front, led by Dr Kamal Hossain, sent a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeking dialogue over the national election.
Oikya Front also sent another letter to Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader urging the ruling party to engage in dialogue over the election.
Dr Kamal Hossain signed the letter sent to the Prime Minister while Gono Forum general secretary Mostafa Mohsin Montu signed the one sent to Obaidul Quader.
In the letter, Kamal Hossain mentioned Oikya Front's seven-point demand and 11 goals to overcome the current political situation.
There will be no conditions attached to the talks, Obaidul Quader said.
The Awami League wants to prove that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's door is open to all for talks, he said.
"We did not give in to anyone's pressure. We did not invite anyone to the dialogue. Oikya Front leaders sought dialogue. The doors to talks are open to all. We agree to the Oikya Front's proposal."
Highlighting Hasina's "keenness on participatory elections", Quader said: "Sheikh Hasina has not shut the door to talks to anyone, nor does it remain shut."