The US ambassador in Dhaka, Dan W Mozena, on Monday said that proposals over election-time government made by prime minister Sheikh Hasina and leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia opened the door for a constructive dialogue. He made the remarks after meeting with Khaleda Zia, also the Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson, at her Gulshan office in the evening.
Hours after Khaleda Zia unveiled her proposal on election-time government at a news conference Mozena met Khaleda at 7:15 pm.
Mozena told reporters that the prime minister through her address to the nation a couple of days ago opened the door to dialogue as well as leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia made her statement paving the way for a constructive dialogue.
The ambassador said that he found it encouraging.
He hoped that the lieutenants of the two major political parties would seize this opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue to find a way forward to a free, fair and credible election.
In reply to a question about BNP’s rally in Dhaka on October 25, he said they discussed in the meeting about prospect of dialogue and prospect of finding a way forward for holding a free, fair and credible election.
Asked about ban on rallies, he said peaceful demonstrations, meetings or rallies were important part for democratic process and it was important for everyone to find a way to hold such democratic practices in a way consistent with peace and security.
Mozena said he came to know from Khaleda Zia about her commitments to countering violence, extremism and terrorism, protecting vulnerable people, minorities, ethnic and religious minorities and building a good, sustaining and constructive relation of Bangladesh with its neighbours.
Mozena said that he also came to know from Khaleda that she wanted to avoid any kind of revenge. All of these she would make if she comes to power, he said.
BNP chairperson’s advisory council member Reaz Rahman and US embassy political officer Kathleen Gibilisco were also present.
-With New Age input
