Khaleda-led BNP delegation arrives at Bangabhaban for EC talks

The BNP delegation led by it Chairperson Khaleda Zia has arrived at the Bangabhaban for talks on constituting a new Election Commission (EC).

To ensure an EC 'acceptable to all', President Md Abdul Hamid has taken the initiative to speak to political parties to form a search committee, just like his predecessor did in 2012.

The talks start on Sunday with the BNP, which is out of Parliament now after boycotting the 2014 general election.

The BNP delegation includes Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and its policymaking National Standing Committee members Khandker Mosharraf Hossain, Moudud Ahmed, Jamiruddin Sircar, Mahbubur Rahman, Rafiqul Islam Mia, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Muyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.

Former prime minister Khaleda was received by the Bangabhaban's Additional Secretary Wahidul Islam Khan when she arrived at the president's office.

The other members of the BNP-delegation entered the Bangabhaban earlier.

The talks commenced at the Bangabhaban's Darbar Hall at 4:37pm.

As soon as President Md Abdul Hamid entered the room, he asked Khaleda how she was doing.

Recalling his days as the Speaker, Hamid said, "We used to meet, when I was in Parliament, but now I am quite far away."

Khaleda started from her Gulshan residence around 3pm.

Her Special Assistant Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas travelled in the same car, but was not allowed to enter the Bangabhaban's Darbar Hall, where the talks are being held.

Senior BNP leaders Tarikul Islam and Mirza Abbas were initially included in the delegation.

But Tarikul told bdnews24.com that he could not attend due to health reasons while Abbas' family informed that he is in Singapore for treatment.