Opposition coalition Jatiya Oikya Front has scheduled its ‘national dialogue’ demanding fresh elections for Jan 28, says a member of its policymaking Steering Committee.

After winning the 11th national election, the Awami League has formed government for a third straight term. Meanwhile the Oikya Front, which only won eight seats in the election, has refused to engage in parliament and called for an immediate new election.

On Jan 10, its leader and Gano Forum president Dr Kamal Hossain had announced the national dialogue to press for demands.

The ruling Awami League, however, has dismissed the opposition coalition’s decision as ‘laughable’.

“Oikya Front’s national dialogue will be held on Jan 28,” Ganashasthya Kendro founder Zafrullah Chowdhury, who sits on the Steering Committee, told Bangla Tribune on Wednesday (Jan 16).

He said that they have already booked a hall in the National Press Club. “But the Club authorities are yet to let us know their final decision.”

Zafrullah, who leads a pro-BNP professionals’ group and one of the sponsors of the Oikya Front, said that representatives of political parties and members of the civil society will be invited to the talks for their opinion on the political scenario.

The official announcement, however, is expected to come after a Steering Committee meeting on Thursday (Jan 17) at Dr Kamal’s Motijheel offices.

“The meeting will discuss a range of issues, which also includes the matter of the national dialogue,” Gano Forum Executive President and Oikya Front steering panel member Subrata Chowhdury told Bangla Tribune.

According to insiders, Thursday’s meeting will also finalise the matter of  moving the High Court over the Dec 30 election.

Earlier this month, The Jatiya Oikya Front and BNP-led 20-Party Alliance decided to take legal actions over the alleged rampant irregularities reported during the 11th general election.

Candidates or their election agents—from all constituencies, will file lawsuits with the High Court’s election tribunal; a bench designated to address matters concerning the election. This will occur after written complaints have been submitted to the returning or assistant returning officers of their respective constituencies.