The New Nation - Internet Edition

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

US Charge d'Affaires Geeta Pasi told reporters yesterday that America welcomes the caretaker government's plan to enter into talks with the political parties.

The US envoy made her remarks following a meeting with BNP secretary-general Khandaker Delwar Hossain at his NAM apartment in the afternoon.

She added that the US view was that the political parties have an important role to play in ensuring free, fair and neutral elections in Bangladesh.

Pasi spent over an hour with Delwar, BNP chief Khaleda Zia's nominated secretary-general, and other top party leaders in a meeting that touched on a range of political issues facing the country.

"The Election Commission will be able to hold a free, fair and neutral elections participated by all parties following the roadmap," Pasi told reporters.

Later, Delwar said the meeting had been a courtesy call, although he added that they had addressed a number of political, social and economic matters.

The BNP secretary-general said he had received a proposal to enter into informal talks from the caretaker government.

"However, I told them through Rizvi Ahmed (the acting office secretary) that before any talks, whether formal or informal, we will have to speak with our chairperson," said Delwar.

"It is not possible for me to do anything without her guidance," he added.-The two factions of beleaguered BNP are weighing up proposals for informal talks made by two advisers to the government ahead of official dialogue.

Commerce adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman Monday night rang acting office secretary Rizvi Ahmed up and offered to sit across the table. Rizvi belongs to the faction led by Khandaker Delwar Hossain, the secretary-general of the party nominated by detained chairperson Khleda Zia.

Communications adviser Ghulam Quader Tuesday morning called and made a similar proposal to Hafizuddin Ahmed, the acting secretary general nominated by BNP's policymaking standing committee.

However, neither faction confirmed to the government about the date of the informal talks.

On Monday evening, five advisers held informal talks with Awami League leaders on dialogue. Law adviser AF Hassan Ariff, communications adviser Ghulam Quader, local government adviser Anwarul Iqbal, education and commerce adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman and foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury were present in the meeting that lasted from 6:15pm to 8pm.

Hafizuddin and Rizvi Tuesday confirmed to bdnews24.com that they had received proposals from the advisers.

"I had talks with the adviser. We are discussing the matter among ourselves," Hafizuddin told bdnews24.com,

Rizvi said, "Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman rang me up at about 12 midnight and proposed to sit for informal talks. I told him that I would get back to him after consulting the secretary general."

Later, Rizvi said, he informed the commerce adviser about Delwar's opinion.

"On telephone I have told the adviser, 'The secretary general has said he needs to talk with the chairperson before sitting for informal talks'."

Hafizuddin Tuesdasy afternoon held a meeting with senior leaders of the faction including acting chairperson M Saifur Rahman.