Yunus meets leaders of seven parties after BNP, Jamaat, NCP talks

Earlier this week, Yunus held separate meetings with Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP and BNP leaders on elections and current issues

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has expanded his political dialogue, sitting with leaders of seven more parties after recent meetings with the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party.

The meeting began at 5pm on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna, his office said.

Representatives from AB Party, Nagorik Oikya, Ganosamhati Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Liberal Democratic Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jatiya Ganofront and Hifazat-e Islam Bangladesh joined the discussions.

On Sunday afternoon and evening, Yunus held separate talks with BNP, Jamaat and NCP leaders as part of efforts to ease mounting political discord and prepare the ground for general elections.

Briefing reporters afterwards, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted the chief advisor as saying that polls would be held within the timeframe officially announced.

“The election will take place in the first half of February in a free, fair and festive atmosphere,” Alam said. “He has reassured all political parties of this commitment.”

Shafiqul added: “The chief advisor has said repeatedly that this will be one of the best elections in Bangladesh’s history -- peaceful and celebratory.”