The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Jammat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mujaheed could attend yesterday's dialogue with the government despite there being a warrant of arrest against him as the trial court has asked him to appear by October 16, Barrister Abdur Razzak, assistant secretary general of the party said.

As the question was raised in the post dialogue joint press briefing Barrister Razzak said there was nothing illegal in Mujaheed's attending the meeting.

Jamaat Secretary General ali Ahsan Mujahid who is under warrant of arrest for involvement in Barapukuria Coalmine Graft Case led 11-member delegation along with Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami in scheduled talks with the government to resolve the present political issues relating to holding coming December 18 parliamentary polls under recently amended RPO.

The dialogue was hosted by the Government at the CA's office at Tejgaon. Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed led the Government delegation.

Mujahid's bail petition was rejected by a High Court division bench earlier and he was asked to surrender in the trial court. The police in their report submitted to the court said, Mujahid was not found at his house at Uttara what they said during their raid.

The law-enforcers chargesheeted him as an absconder in the court. Mujahid was also found in holding meeting at Faridpur and Satkhira. DMP Commissioner Naeem Ahmed said they were examining the legal aspect of the warrant of arrest.

Briefing reporters on the outcome of the dialogue that lasted for more than two hours from 3pm, Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur informed that fruitful discussions were held on logical issues as the both sides want to push forward the ongoing election process.

He said that the both sides need to be reasonable on logical demands and all would have to make contributions to the transition of a successful election. The government will keep its doors open for any future discussions on specific logical matters.

On the critical issue of lifting the state of emergency, Hossain Zillur admitted the fact that emergency rules are great obstacles to political activities. But the government side raised the background of the promulgation of the state of emergency, he said, adding that in the past, the emergency was relaxed on different occasions.

The Adviser assured that the government would look into the specific provisions that obstruct healthy political activities. It must also be ensured that voters can vote without fear and intimidation, he said.

He added that a congenial atmosphere for free and fair election would be created through discussions.

On deferring dates of Upazila elections, the Adviser said the government side explained that it would be practical to hold the Upazila polls on the announced dates. However, he said that if there is problem, more discussions could take place on the subject.

Hossain Zillur said that during the dialogue, the two sides agreed that a neutral administration is important to ensure fair polls. The government would look into any logical suggestion from parties regarding the transfer of government officials.

The questions like acceptance of election results, avoidance of force and practicing the culture of tolerance were also discussed during the dialogue.

The dialogue held at the CA's office was led by Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed from the Government side.