The newly elected speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury yesterday praised the inclination shown by the ruling and opposition parties to hold talks to settle their disputes, saying she would play her role if such talks take place in parliament.
“The opposition has shown its positive attitude by lifting two hartals at the request of the ruling party, which also expressed its offer of dialogue,” she said, while speaking to the Dhaka Tribune at her office yesterday.
The youngest speaker ever to be elected to parliament, Shirin, 46, said she would examine the reasons behind the opposition’s parliament boycott that started in March last year.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday called off the 18-party alliance’s countrywide hartal scheduled for May 2, responding to the call of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
She urged the Awami League chief to reciprocate with similar moves to end the existing political deadlock for holding the next general elections. “Interests were expressed from both sides. I really appreciate it,” the speaker said, adding the probable political talks may take place in parliament.
“If such talks take place in parliament, I will play my part as per the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure,” she said.
She had already urged the main opposition to return to the House, she added.
“I will examine the reasons why they have been staying away from the House. I hope they will come back to the next budget session and hold talks. I want to make parliament effective with the participation of all parties,” she said.
