Ruling Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has phoned a leader of anti-government alliance Jatyia Oikya Front and made a call to hold talks over the next general polls.
The development came hours after Quader, as instructed by Prime Minister and AL President Sheikh Hasina, said on Monday (Oct 29) that AL has agreed to sit with newly floated alliance for talks.
Quader, who is the road and transport minister, made the call to a member of Oikya Front’s Steering Committee, Mostafa Mahsin Montu a little after 8pm, Montu himself confirmed Bangla Tribune.
Citing Quader wanted to know about possible delegation, Montu said “A team of 15-20 members will attend the talks.”
According to sources at Oikya Front, talks with AL are likely to be held at the Prime Minister’s official residence Ganabhban.
Asked about the detail, Mantu said, “Quader will call on Tuesday (Oct 30) and let us know the place and date of the talks.”
“I can’t tell you more,” said Montu, who is the general secretary of Gano Forum.
Early in the day, Hasina decided to sit with the alliance leaders following a meeting with the party senior leaders.
She also asked the party’s general secretary to arrange all necessary preparation for the talks and contact with the alliance leaders to fix a date.
Later, Quader, at a press briefing in AL’s Dhanmondi office, said the Prime Minister will lead the talks on the party’s behalf.
On Sunday (Oct 28), Jatyia Oikya Front sent two letters, signed by its leader Gano Forum chief Dr Kamal Hossain, addressing AL President and its secretary calling for dialogue over the next general election.
‘Decision to hold talks taken by PM’
