Mozena: Relationship with govt not usual

The United States’ interaction with the government will not be “business as usual,” its envoy said after a meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. US Ambassador to Bangladesh was speaking after a nearly one hour meeting that began at 8pm with the BNP chief at her Gulshan office on Tuesday night. “At this very moment, Nisa Desai, the US envoy for central and South Asian affairs, is speaking on the election of Bangladesh at the Senate hearing.” The US, disappointed with the January 5 election, initially called for re-polls, but later said they will continue to work with the re-elected Awami League. On the topic of discussion with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Mozena ‘advised’ BNP to refrain from violence. “The US does not accept violence.” Currently, the BNP has toned down their stance and has opted for lower-scale programmes which are aimed at building relationships with the public. On the other hand, ruling party leaders have affirmed that this government will rule the country for five more years and any negotiations with BNP will be for the next polls.