Prime Minister and chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Begum Khaleda Zia had a long discussion on the current political situation of the country with her party's senior leaders yesterday.

The meeting, beginning at 7:00 pm at the Prime Minister's Secretariat, lasted more than three hours.

Some cabinet ministers who attended the meeting, when contacted last night, declined^ disclose the topics of discussions. More than two ministers told this correspondent that the Prime Minister

had asked them not to speak to newsmen about the discussions.

Meanwhile, sources close to the BNP high command told The Daily Star late last night that the leaders had discussed different implications of the Awami League (AL)'s proposed April 7 siege of the Secretariat

The prospects and efficacy of opening a dialogue with the AL before the siege were disclosed at length, sources said.

Some leaders spoke In favour of a dialogue for longterm benefits while others opposed the view, sources added.

However, the ruling party could not take a decision on the issue yesterday evening. According to one cabinet minister. the party caucus would meet again some time today to finalise Its strategy to face the April 7 siege.

The time and venue of today's meeting would be decided after the weekly cabinet meeting this morning the minister. requesting anonymity, said.

The leaders who attended the meeting included. Deputy Leader of Parliament Professor Badruddoza Chowdhury, LGRD Minister and party Secretary General Barrister Salam Talukder. Foreign Minister Mostaflzur Rahman. Communications Minister Oli Ahmed and Public Works Minister Barrister Raflqul Islam Miah.