The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman has given momentum to the speculation about his having a secret meeting with Awami League president Sheikh Hasina in New York recently.

Pointing to the "speculative reports" published in various Bangla Newspapers in US, journalists yesterday asked the Adviser whether he really held any meeting with the AL chief in New York.

The adviser replied neither in the positive, nor in the negative but said, "We are trying to create a level playing field. That is why we are having talks with all including the top leaders."

Dr Zillur was talking to journalists in a regular briefing at his secretariat office when Communications adviser Ghulam Quader, Local government adviser M Anwarul Iqbal and law adviser AF Hassan Ariff were present.

The four advisers led by Hossain Zillur have been engaged in the government's dialogues with political parties.

On the development on a proposed meeting between BNP chief Khaleda Zia and AL chief Hasina, the adviser said, "The government is thinking about the matter. People view it positively. But they (Khaleda and Hasina) need to be interested."

"It can take place if only they are interested. Nothing can be imposed."

Dr Zillur said the sincerity of the caretaker government about holding general elections should not be questioned.

"Date of the national polls was at the centre of the people's demands. The announcement of the election date removed all uncertainty about polls. We are now working to ensure quality," the adviser said at a press briefing held at the communications ministry.

"The government wanted to keep the atmosphere of confidence in election intact."

"We hope everything will be all right soon. We have been working to fulfil the expectations of the people of the country."

The adviser said the government wanted to achieve its goal avoiding the culture of clash.

He said they wanted to take the dialogue to the people to know their expectations about the elections.

Hossain Zillur reiterated that the government would organise three policy-framing conferences to discuss policies for the country after the polls.

"We've received feedback from the political parties on the matter. It will be arranged after discussion with them," he added.