The government was compelled to detain three top leaders of main opposition BNP, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said on Saturday.
They have been detained because of the hartal killings, the chaos and inciting activities in the name of an illegal demand for a caretaker government, she said.
The foreign minister was speaking in answer to questions of journalists after inaugurating a bridge in Chandpur Sadar upazila on Saturday morning.
“The prime minister's offer for dialogue is still open. Talks will be held once the opposition chief says she is ready,” she said.
“The prime minister herself undertook all the steps towards the formation of an all-party cabinet. This cabinet will be formed soon. We hope the opposition will participate in this.”
The foreign minister also hoped that the opposition would withdraw their hartal and that this would not affect the dialogue.
“The upcoming national elections will be held in a free and fair manner. It will reflect the desire of the people,” she added.
Dipu Moni said her party, the Awami League, will be active on the field to “tackle” the opposition hartal, and that the government would play their part in protecting the people.
Others present during the programme were: Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ismail Hossain, police Superintendent Mohammad Amir Zafar and UNO Shahinur Shahin Khan.
