Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday informed President Abdul Hamid of the current political situation at his Bangabhaban residence on Sunday evening.
The premier called on the president in the evening, a day after he returned home from Singapore. The meeting began after 6:15pm and came to an end around 7:30pm.
Ihsanul Karim, Press Secretary to the President, briefed journalists about the meeting agenda.
He said: “The PM has inquired about the health condition of the president as he returned home on Friday after having treatment.
Later, the prime minister informed the president of the current political situation of the country," he added.
They also talked about Abdul Hamid’s tomorrow’s visit to South Africa to attend Mandela’s funeral, said Ihsanul.
Among others, Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam also attended the meeting.
The meeting took place at a time when visiting UN envoy Taranco was holding talks with political leaders and civil society for a resolution of the ongoing political deadlock over the upcoming polls.
Earlier on Saturday, UN envoy Oscar Fernandez Taranco had a meeting with the prime minister and asked if the polls-schedule can be deferred.
Hasina said changing the election date was completely the decision of the Election Commission, which is constitutionally mandated to hold the elections, not the government.
She said her government “wanted an inclusive election,” as Taranco stressed, provided that it must be held within the constitutional provisions.
Meanwhile, BNP chief Khaleda Zia in her meeting with Taranco later reportedly said suspending or deferring the election schedule would not resolve the crisis.
When Taranco reminded the BNP chief about the constitutional obligation to hold the polls by January 24, according to sources, Khaleda had referred to several formulas presented by different parties and civil society representatives on the formation of an interim government as a possible solution.
On the other hand, Jatiya Party advocated for a deferral to the polls-schedule during their meet with Taranco.
The party also hoped for a leading role of the UN in the prevailing political situation of the country.
The upcoming polls is set to be held on January 5. But, the main opposition BNP-led 18-party declared not to join it under Hasina-led government. Later, Jatiya party also rejected it.