No further discussions after Nov 7, says Awami League’s Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader says there will be no further discussions after Nov 7, when the Election Commission is likely to announce the schedule for the coming national parliamentary election.

Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina had unexpectedly sat for discussions with the Jatiyo Oikya Front at the Ganabhaban on Thursday amid preparations for the Eleventh National Parliamentary Elections.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader had previously invited other political parties for talks and said the door was open until Nov 8.

But on Saturday, after paying his respects at the portrait of Bangabandhu on Jail Killing Day, Quader said the party had to bring the deadline forward.

“We are unable to meet until Nov 8,” he told the media in response to a question. “We will complete discussions on Nov 7. There will be no further talks after that.”

The prime minister met with representatives from the Bikalpadhara and the Jukto Front on Friday. She has also invited the Jatiya Party and the CPB-BaSaD-backed leftist alliance to the Ganabhaban for talks.

About 85 parties have requested a meeting, Quader said.

“But it is not possible to hold talks for an extended period because the schedule is to be announced soon.”

The Election Commission met with the president on Thursday, the first day of the talks.

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda has said that the commission will decide when to announce the schedule at the meeting on Sunday, Nov 4.

Asked about the BNP’s dissatisfaction with the talks Quader said:

“Not everyone will be satisfied. Whether the BNP is satisfied or not, we should consider the words of the leader of their alliance (Kamal Hossain). He said it was a good discussion. Let us leave it at that.”

“The Bikalpadhara delegation made a similar statement … Our leader has agreed to some of their demands. Those that will not go against the constitution.”

“The prime minister has also said that she would request the honourable president to speak to the Election Commission regarding some of the demands raised by the Bikalpadhara.”

The Awami League wants and expects the participation of all registered parties in the polls, Quader said.