The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Gano Forum yesterday raised questions about the government's move to sit the two former prime ministers and party chiefs-Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina across the table to discuss the issues.

Gano Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain, in a press statement after a meeting of the party's Standing Committee at his residence in the city rejected the Government's moves toward an understanding between Awami League and BNP over the next parliamentary polls.

"The Government's initiative, disclosed by its spokesperson, for an understanding (between the two) for the sake of holding elections is unacceptable," he said.

Dr Kamal made the comments as the government is taking effort to hold one-to-one dialogue between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina with the

mediation of lawyer Barrister Rafique-ul-Huq, who defends both former prime ministers in court against corruption charges.

"We want consensus. But we don't want an understanding for those breaking laws," he observed.

Dr Kamal said the Government could neither hold fair elections nor establish vibrant democracy by reaching agreements with corrupt people.

He alleged that the anticorruption drive had resulted in the end by appeasing the corrupt people.

"The deals and promises on which the government has reached agreements (with Khaleda and Hasina) should be made clear to people. The negotiation process should be transparent," the Gano Forum President said.