Obaidul Quader sees no scope for dialogue on election now

As the Election Commission will announce the schedule of the next general election on Wednesday evening, no scope is left for dialogue now, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said.

“We have urged BNP several times to consider dialogue with us, without any condition. But there is no scope right now,” he said.

The road transport and bridges minister came up with the remark while talking to reporters at the secretariat after a meeting with US Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas on Wednesday, reports UNB.

“We have received a letter from Donald Lu (US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs). US Ambassador Peter Haas was here to give us the letter this morning. We can respond (to the letter) after holding a discussion with the party chief, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” the AL leader said.

 “I have read the letter, and it is about holding a free, fair and neutral election,” he added.

Responding to a question, Quader said, “Those who believe in democracy can’t avoid dialogue. The EC is set to announce the polls schedule, so now there is no scope to hold a dialogue.”

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal is set to address the nation and announce the schedule for the upcoming general election at 7 pm on Wednesday, the Election Commission has said.

Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast the CEC’s speech in the evening, EC Secretary Jahangir Alam said while briefing reporters this morning.