Didn't get Fakhrul's call: Ashraf

The Awami League General Secretary has rebuffed his BNP counterpart’s claim that the latter had called him over the past several days.

Syed Ashraful Islam on Friday night told bdnews24.com that he did not receive any calls from BNP’s acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

"No call from Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's number came to my phone," he said.

Earlier, the BNP spokesperson had said that he 'could not reach' the ruling party spokesperson over telephone.

Fakhrul also expressed doubt over the government's sincerity about having talks to come to a settlement over the form of the polls-time government.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, Syed Ashraf said by telephone, "I have his phone number saved on my phone. But no calls from that number came to me.

“I don't want to make his number public."

He also suggested Fakhrul have a meeting with the BNP Chairperson before having any dialogue.

"His leader Khaleda Zia yesterday [Thursday] said that there was no chance left for talks. He must talk to his leader first.

“If she says there is still scope to have discussion, then the talks can take place," Ashraf added.

The spokespersons for the two major parties had earlier spoken over telephone on Oct 22 after their leaders had come out with their versions of a polls-time government.

Fakhrul on the same day had also sent a letter to Ashraf requesting him to take an initiative for the talks.

Then on Friday, the BNP leader alleged that Ashraf had not called him yet to talk about the issue.

Later on Oct 26, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina telephoned Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia and invited her for talks by withdrawing the shutdown the Opposition had called.

But the Opposition Leader turned down the offer and said she could not hold any dialogue before the shutdown was over.