The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The government would take imitative to sit the two political rivals-BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina to discuss issues across the table.

Adviser for Commerce Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman dropped the hint while briefing reporters at the Secretariat yesterday. Adviser for Communications Maj Gen (Retd) Ghulam Quader and Adviser for Law and Justice AF Hassan Ariff were present.

"We have taken the initiative to resolve the political crisis and bring back the practice of healthy politics in the country," Hossain Zillur said.

He hoped that the two top leaders would not only respond to this move but also take initiatives on their own as the two leaders have contributed a lot to the country.

"We also hope that they will continue their contributions in the future as well," he hoped.

Referring to the release of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, he said a new chapter in achieving progress in restoring democracy in the country, he said, "The Government has made headway with its efforts to further democracy by releasing Khaleda Zia."

The Adviser said with the release of Begum Zia participation of all political parties in the upcoming elections have also been ensured.

The former prime minister was released on bail from prison yesterday. Another former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is currently on parole and taking treatment in the United States. She is expected to return home next month.

Replying to a question on possible deal between the government and the political parties, he said many are viewing the agreement negatively but the initiative for participation of all parties amounts to compromise.

He said the nation is looking forward to three things now - an acceptable election with the participation of all parties, a qualitative development of politics, and political and economic development after the elections.

Zillur further said a number of conditions of the emergency powers rules would be relaxed to allow political parties to hold council sessions.

He said the political parties will have to hold councils to participate in the general elections in line with electoral laws. "If necessary, the government will relax conditions of emergency powers rules," he said.

"We want to create a congenial atmosphere so that all of us can work together for the country. We want political advancement and economic development," the Adviser said.