The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

After ending speculations, the dialogue of the Election Commission with the pro-reformist BNP faction on electoral reforms is going to be held today at the Commission Secretariat. But none of the pro-Khaleda BNP faction would take part in the talks.

With this talk the EC would wrap up its year-long dialogue with political parties on electoral reforms. Joint secretary general of pro-Khaleda faction Nazrul Islam Khan dismissed

the prospect of going to the dialogue along with the reformist group.

He told reporters that this would not be dialogue with the BNP rather it would be considered dialogue with a very small group of the party.

"Taking part in the discussion with them (reformist group) means dialogue of 20 people out of 80 or with 2 out of 8. It will not fulfil their wishes," he said.

However, acting secretary general of pro-reformist BNP faction Maj (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said he would continue his efforts till the last minute for going unitedly to the dialogue with the Commission.

He said acting chairperson Saifur Rahman is continuing efforts to contact with the senior leaders of the party including the members of the standing committee.

The BNP leader also hoped that they would take part in the elections with party chairperson Khaleda Zia with them.

Replying to a question he said during the dialogue with the Commission, they would put forward a number of recommendations including taking measures to stop election of black money and nomination trading.

It may be mentioned that the EC started the dialogue on April 26 last year and met with representatives of civil society and media on reform electoral law. It also held two rounds of talks with 17 major political parties on the issue since September last.

Meanwhile, Sramik Dal, labour front of the BNP had a meeting with Khondoker Delwar Hossain at his residence in the morning.

Led by Sramik Dal president Nazrul Islam Khan they discussed the May Day programme.

After the meeting Nazrul said they would hold discussion meeting on May 2 at the press club in observance of the May Day.