The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

BNP Secretary General Khandker Delwar Hossain yesterday said exchange of greetings and pleasantries between the two former Prime Ministers Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina would bring a 'positive' result in the country's future politics.

"I term it 'positive' and hope it will auger well for our politics and for democracy," he said while taking journalists at the party's central office at Naya Paltan in the city. He said the two leaders should reach consensus on national issues in the interest of the people and democracy. When asked about the four-point demand of BNP led four-party alliance, the BNP Secretary General urged the Election Commission to quickly take decision regarding the demands including holding of parliamentary elections on December 28.

Responding that BNP is a election oriented party, Delwar said " BNP went to power thrice in the past by the mandate of the people".

He urged the government to ensure the atmosphere favourable for polls.

"We are to contest in the forthcoming parliamentary elections and it is the government's responsibility to ensure an atmosphere that would enable the voters to exercise their franchise without any intimidation and fear," Delwar said.

On the nomination to reformist of BNP leaders, he said nominations would be given considering all aspects including candidates' strong prospects for victory.

Lifting the state of emergency immediately, holding of upazila elections after 30 days of general elections, amendments to Representation of People's Order (RPO) including the removal of its clause 91 (E) are among the demands of the alliance.