The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

In a dramatic turn of event two former prime ministers, Sheikh Hasina and Begum Khaleda Zia, have agreed to sit for talks albeit differing on the format of the discussion on transition to democracy.

Sheikh Hasina's decision to sit with her arch rival under the condition that it would be an issue-based discussion was conveyed by Syed Ashraful Islam, Awami League spokesperson and Joint Secretary, to reporters after one and half hour-long meeting between and ambassadors of Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden in the morning at her Sudha Sadan residence in Dhanmondi yesterday evening. Meanwhile, BNP Joint Secretary General Nazrul Islam Khan yesterday said there was no need for specific agenda for a dialogue between Begum Khaleda Zia, party Chairperson, and Sheikh Hasina.

Nazrul Islam made the statement a few hours after Ashraf said that the two leaders may have talks on special agenda.

He said Begum Zia thinks that the expected goal may not be achieved, if the talks are confined to any specific agenda.

While briefing reporters Ashraful said the three ambassadors asked Hasina whether she was willing to sit with Khaleda Zia. In response she said, "of course, I am ready for discussion." Ashraful quoted Sheikh Hasina and added there must be a specific agenda for the discussion.

"We do not want to sit over a cup of tea. We want to talk on some specific agenda. But till today neither the government nor others has proposed to us formally," he said.

Ashraful said the national election must be held on 18 December. That was essential for the sake of keeping peace in the country. Otherwise there might be a disastrous situation in the country. The country's future depends on the parliamentary elections.

After the meeting the Swedish envoy said that they hoped for a free, fair and acceptable parliamentary election to be held on the announced date on 18 December with the participation of all the political parties.

They opined that the two leaders of the major parties should sit for negotiation to settle some crucial issues, which might be obstacles in the way of holding a free, fair and credible national election.