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Hasina challenges Khaleda

Discuss caretaker govt issue live on Radio-TV

By Staff Correspondent
Sheikh Hasina yesterday challenged Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to a live TV and radio discussion, without any preconditions, on the Issue of a neutral caretaker government for holding elections.
In. a significant shift from the previously held opposi tlon position that talks could be held only after BNP ac cepted. "In principle", the concept of a neutral caretaker government, the AL Chief said " I am willing to go
for talks if the discussion Is on t he issue of a neutral caretaker government, and if our discussion is broadcast live on radio and TV."
Sheikh Hasina made the above remarks while talking to some editors invited to an informal discussion at her Dhanmandi office late yesterday evening
It may be recalled that Begum Zia said on several occasions that every subject could be discussed including the "opposition demand for a
neutral and caretaker government" if they (opposition parties) agree for talks without any pre-condition.
The AL chief categorically ruled out any prospect of participating in the coming elections under a BNP government. but agreed to participate in the polls if held under a caretaker government. 'We are willing to solve all other problems through discussion. and take part in the polls within the stipulated time of 90 days, if the PM resigns."
Asked whether agreement with the Opposition' through prior negotiations, and the PM's resignation can be done simultaneously, the AL chief said "There has not been any serious proposal for such discussions from the BNP side. Few came with some ideas, but none had the agreement of the PM."
Sheikh Hasina noted that the '91 agreement to make Chief Justice Shahabuddin the acting president necessitated at least two gross violations of the Constitutions, which were ratified later. This was done with the agreement of all concerned, for the good of the country, and because people wanted ,lt, she said.
Such a consensus can again be achieved and all problems can be solved once the Prime Minister gives up power, and agrees to discuss how to hold a free and fair .election. Hasina added.
Holding the Prime Minister responsible for pushing the country towards a political confrontation, she warned against going for an election without participation of the major opposition parties. This will not bring the political stability necessary for
economic growth and the Opposition will be forced to continue its nationwide agitation, she pointed out.
"It is a measure of the BNP's isolation that it is now trying to woo the killers of '75 . Ershad's 'road sweeper' and the like to participate in the elections", the AL chief alleged.
Not a single political party of any standing has agreed to participate in the polls under the BNP government and all parties have expressed their views in favour of a neutral caretaker government. Hasina said.
The editors and senior journalists present in the meeting were Bazlur Rahman of the Daily Sangbad, Mah-bubul Alam of The Independent, Matiur Rahman of Bhorer Kajog, Golam Sarwar of the Daily Ittefaq, Mlzanur Rahman Mizan of the Daily Khobor. Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim Selim of Banglar Bani, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury of the Bangladesh Observer. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury of the Banglabazar Patrika and Mahfuz Anam of The Daily Star. AL leaders Abdus Samad Azad. Begum Sajeda Chowdhury. Abdur Razzak. Tofael Ahmed. Amir Hossain Amu. Suranjit Sen and several others were also present on the occasion.