The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Awami League will formally propose a dialogue with the Caretaker Government to resolve political issues which party Acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam said cannot be discussed at the talks with the Election Commission.

"Political issues cannot be discussed with the Election Commission nor could these be resolved in courts anywhere in the world," he told journalists yesterday, a day after receiving invitation from the EC for the talks on electoral reforms.

He did not disclose as to when his party would make the proposal for the dialogue with the Caretaker Government.

A party insider said the release of imprisoned Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina would figure prominently in its proposed dialogue with the Government.

Syed Ashraful Islam said he received the Election Commission's (ECs) letter on Friday for the dialogue. According to the letter, 10 leaders of the AL could take part in the discussion scheduled for November 4.

Dropping a broad hint that the AL would participate in the EC's talks, he said the AL delegation would press for the implementation of the 14-party alliance's 31-point proposal for the electoral reforms during the dialogue with the EC.

"Besides, we will also demand that the Election Commission should refrain from registering religious based political parties, including those identified as war criminals," he said.

He, however, said the Awami League Central Working Committee would take the decision whether or not to join the dialogue with EC at a meeting on October 22.