BNP questions if President starts dialogue on govt advice

BNP acting secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has questioned if the President himself has taken the initiative of dialogue with political parties or he has been holding the dialogue at the behest of the government, reports UNB. "If he (President) arranged the dialogue on advice of the government, we do not know its objective. We don't want to see the President becomes controversial," Fakhrul told a discussion Wednesday afternoon. Pro-BNP Bangladesh Combined Professionals' Council organised the discussion on 'Restoration of Caretaker Government (CG) only Way to Overcome Political Crisis' at Jatiya Press Club. The BNP leader said they will raise their demand of CG during the dialogue with President M Zillur Rahman on January 11. The President who has already held dialogue with a number of political parties discussed on new Election Commission (EC) on expiry of existing one in early February. He has reportedly said on Tuesday that he had the sole authority to form a new EC by appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and ECs, indicating that he would not discuss any other issues during the dialogue. Fakhrul said the government should immediately quit power because of its failure in all sectors, and destroying the country's economy and politics. It should arrange election under non-party CG. Taking part in the discussion, former CEC Justice Abdur Rouf welcomed the President's dialogue with the political parties. Extending of cooperation to the President, he urged him to take the initiative strongly so that the dialogue does not go in vain. If it failed, the onus would lie on him and the people will blame him. Justice Rouf was critical of US and EU diplomats for interfering in domestic affairs of Bangladesh. However, he refrained from citing their interference. Presided over by the Professionals' council convenor Mahmudur Rahman, the discussion was also addressed by Prof Emajuddin Ahmed, Shamsuzzman Dudu, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain and Shawkat Mahmud.