The New Nation - Internet Edition

Pankaj Karmakar

Awami League (AL) is preparing to sit in the formal dialogue with the Government for the 2nd time, as the first dialogue did not bear expected fruit that was held on July 3.

According to the source, the 2nd formal talks may take place by the end of this month through negotiation between two parties.

Source said, in this regard AL Acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam held an informal meeting with the representatives of the Government before he left Bangladesh on July 16 for London for personal tour.

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The party would not place any new demand, but it would try to convince the Government body to fulfill the demands, which were placed in the previous dialogue.

Expressing dissatisfaction to the Government activities a central leader said, "The Government is yet to do their promised jobs, which they assured us during the last dialogue. The party delegation will emphasise on these jobs to be done. They also reiterate demand of complete withdrawal of emergency and to be refrained from arranging Upazila election before the national elections."

He also informed that the party would place a new demand of repealing the Representatives' people's order-2008 (RPO) that was approved by the Advisory Council on July 13 in principle.

Party insider said Ashraful would meet with the party chief Sheikh Hasina to receive directions for the 2nd dialogue. He is likely to return on July 26. After coming back he would call a presidium meeting to discuss about this issue and Hasina's directions in details. They would also fix further plan from that meeting.

About the RPO-2008 a central leader said, " during the bilateral meeting we proposed both the Government and the Election Commission (EC) not to approve any new ordinance rather to bring amendment on RPO-1972. They agreed with us. But in reality they are doing the opposite jobs, as they promised in the dialogue."

During the 2nd formal meeting the party delegates would give priority to repeal this ordinance, he said.

During the first dialogue on July 3, a nine-member delegation of AL discussed about release of Sheikh Hasina and Abdul Jalil, sending of Mohammad Nasim to abroad for treatment, holding of parliamentary election ahead of others elections, lifting of emergency, implementation of Women Development Policy, controlling of soaring of price of essentials and others issues.

During the bilateral meeting with the EC the party leaders proposed to be refrained from re-fixing of the areas of constituencies, to annul the rule of not to open wings at abroad and "No" vote system.

But after 10 days of the Government-sponsored dialogue, the advisory council approved the RPO-2008 in principal keeping the rules of "No" votes and compulsory registration of the political parties.