Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has suggested that BNP should discuss with the prime minister if they want their party chief Khaleda Zia to be free on parole.

“Releasing Khaleda Zia is the court’s discretion. However, discussion with the prime minister is needed for her parole release,” Quader told media on Sunday (Nov 4) at the Secretariat in the capital.   

“Granting bail is the court’s jurisdiction, not the government’s discretion,” he added.

On political talks, the Road Transport minister said that discussions with the Oikya Front can continue on a smaller scale.

But they should not take much time, he said adding that the prime minister will decide whether talks can continue after Nov 7.

He also said, “There’s no bar to hold public rally over the upcoming national polls. But dialogue and movement cannot take place simultaneously.”

“The talks, itself is a positive progress in politics,” said the senior Awami League leader while responding to a query.