To avoid being labellled a party which is rigid and unwilling to have discussions, the Awami League (AL) has decided to open talks with the newly-formed political coalition Jatiya Oikya Front.
The ruling party has invited leaders of the new coalition for talks on Tuesday, after receiving a letter on Sunday.
The talks have been scheduled for Thursday at the prime minister’s official residence the Ganabhaban.
After weeks of negotiations, Gano Forum chief Dr Kamal Hossain-led Oikya Front was formed on Oct 13 with the BNP, ASM Abdur Rab’s Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Mahmudur Rahman Manna’s Nagorik Oikya.
The new alliance has floated seven-point demands, which include formation of a non-partisan and neutral government to administer the general election.
According to a source in AL, party chief and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has decided to have discussions motivated by her liberal outlook. She wants to listen to the arguments of the opposition parties.
On Monday, Hasina raised the issue during the weekly Cabinet meeting.
Addressing the ministers, she said: “Oikya Front has given a letter asking for a chance to have a dialogue and we should listen to what they have to say.”
The ministers also reacted favourably to the proposal.
Meanwhile, AL Presidium Member Mohamamd Nasim, said, “This decision reflects the generosity plus magnanimity of the prime minister.”
It’s believed that after speaking to Hasina, General Secretary Obaidul Qauder called Gano Forum General Secretary Mostafa Mohsin Montu and invited Oikya Front leaders for the talks.
On Sunday, Oikya Front gave a letter asking to have a dialogue on their seven-point demands and 11 objectives.
At a press conference on Monday, AL leader Quader said that led by the PM, they will have a dialogue with Oikya Front before a formal invitation was sent on Tuesday.
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