The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The caretaker government will again invite BNP, if necessary, to join the ongoing national dialogue and the government's contact in this regard with the party is on, Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman Saturday told a post-dialogue joint press briefing.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon at its dialogue with the caretaker government urged for taking steps so that no female can be head of the state or government saying that these posts should be set aside for only men.

It also proposed for introduction of Presidential form of government making arrangements for election of President by direct balloting of the people. The Islamic Party favours for relaxing emergency power rules during elections, but it is not in favour of full lifting of the state of emergency.

At the joint-press briefing on the outcome of the talks, the Education Adviser who is now acting as the government's spokesman said they hope BNP would join the dialogue. "From the beginning, the caretaker government has been advancing with some principles and objectives to involve all the political parties in the dialogue and the process still remains unchanged."

He made the remarks as he was asked about the latest position regarding BNP's joining the dialogue and the government's efforts to this end.

Replying to a question regarding the second dialogue with Awami League, he said Awami League has not yet contacted the government as decided by it earlier.

Asked about the allegation of secret selection of candidates for local-body election by the government, Zillur said there is no base of such allegation as it is not possible these days by anyone to manipulate because people are conscious and the media are strong enough.

Regarding upazila polls and schedules, he said the government will give importance to the expectations of the people. "People want election to local government institutions to have strong local bodies. Political parties are also giving importance to local body elections.

He said it is up to the Election Commission to fix dates for upazila polls.

About reining in the red hot prices of foods, the Education Adviser said the government is carrying out efforts to keep the market stable amid economic reality and is alert so that the market cannot be manipulated.

He also said the government has taken various steps for giving food and economic support to various special social groups who are vulnerable to the spiral price hike of essential items.

Khelafat Andolon secretary general Mohammad Zafarullah Khan said they were assured in the dialogue that the caretaker government wants to transfer power to an elected government through holding the elections fairly.

He said people had immense confidence in the caretaker government when it assumed office but now things have changed and its popularity has waned due to the abnormal rise in the prices of essentials items.

Had the government been able to keep the prices of essentials at tolerable level people would not have wanted the change of this caretaker government, he added.

Regarding the state of emergency, he said they think it should partially prevail during the general election to check election violence and proposed for deploying army with magistracy power during the polls.