Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has rejected BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's call for a national dialogue between the BNP, politically alienated since its refusal to participate in the 2015 parliamentary elections, and the ruling Awami League.
At a reception at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium in the capital Friday, the Awami League presidium member said: “People and organisations that participate in a peace-building dialogue must be qualified to do so.
“But the BNP has failed to meet the standard because of its wrong-headed leadership and subversive activities. Why would we hold talks with them?”
Take a look: Khaleda calls for national dialogue
A press release on Thursday from the BNP chairperson read: “We hope that the government will take the initiative to hold a national dialogue leaving behind its authoritarian attitudes to overcome the crisis.”
Referring to the recent spate of murders and attacks by extremists, Obaidul rejected talks with the BNP and said those who were conspiring against the government would not succeed.
Alluding to speculation about the timeline of Khaleda's return from London, the ruling party leader said the people of the country were in doubt as to whether would return.
He said the only way to change the government was through elections and that subversive acts and conspiracies would not be effective.
