The idea of an interim government headed by a neutral person for holding the next general elections is being considered' at the highest level of the ruling BNP. The Dally Star learnt from well-placed party sources late last night.

"The idea may be accepted in principle, subject to two conditions." a top BNP leader indicated.

The issue was discussed at a formal meeting between the top negotiators of the ruling BNP and the Opposition in the presence of US Ambassador in Dhaka David N Merrill at his residence yes-

terday afternoon.

Earlier, in the morning. Merril] also had a meeting with the Awami League and Jatiya Party negotiators at the same venue.

According to meeting sources, the two conditions put forward by the BNP are: the head of the proposed interim government would have no executive powers and the elections must be held within the constitutional deadline of February 21.

On the other hand, the Opposition insisted that the chief of the interim administration should have executive

powers and that the elections be held 90 days after the resignation of the Prime Minister. the sources added.

Later, at night, the BNP negotiators met party chief and Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at her Tejgaon office and briefed her on the latest developments. Details of the meeting were not available.

The AL negotiators also apprised party chief Sheikh Hasina of the outcome of the negotiations.

Meanwhile, the three major opposition parties — the AL. Jatiya Party and Jamaat-e-

Islami are scheduled to meet today to discuss the new developments.

The ruling party-Opposition meeting was attended by LGRD Minister Abdus Salam Talukdar. Information and Commerce Minister Shamsul Islam and Food and Agriculture Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan of the BNP. Amir Hossain Amu and Tofael Ahmed of the AL. and Anwar Hossain Manju of the JP. Merrill was present at the meeting as a facilitator.

Earlier, in the morning. Merrill met Amu and Abdur Razzak of the AL and Manju of the JP.