The six-month long boycott of parliament by the main op-Kisitlon party is going to end by arch 8. following an accord signed between the ruling Awami League and the BNP late last night after gruelling negotiations since Friday.

After twelve hours of bargaining. negotiators of the two sides signed an accord, providing for lifting of restrictions on street rallies on the city's two main avenues, the Panthapath and the Manik Mia Avenue.

Other contentious issues were also set for resolution. The issues include withdrawal of political cases against some BNP leaders, impartial' coverage of the JS proceedings by radio and BTV and 'impartiality' of the Speaker in conducting the business of the House.

Speaker Humayun Rashid Choudhury who brokered the dialogue, also initialled the accord.

BNP had walked out of parliament on August 30. accusing the Treasury Bench of reneging on a four-point accord, signed

From Page 1 between the two parties on January 14. last year at the Speaker's mediation.

The four-point agreement had followed resolution of an earlier boycott of parliament by BNP in November. 1996.

Last night's accord reiterated full implementation of the four-point accord.

Telecommunications and Works Minister Mohammad Nasim read out the accord that provides for inclusion of all 113 BNP MPs in parliamentary standing committees and reconstitution of the committees already formed.

It noted that the Speaker would remain non-partisan, the Radio and TV would cover parliament proceedings objectively. Performance of the Treasury and Opposition benches, would be covered equally and. if complaints arise on the issue, those would be sorted out by the Speaker in consultation with the two sides.

The Speaker and negotiators of the two parties were present while Nasim read at the accord.

The accord was signed by the Speaker and Tofael Ahmed. Suranjit Sengupta. Mohammad Nasim. Abul Hasnat Abdullah and Abdus Shahid from the Treasury Bench.

From the BNP side. Badrud-doza Choudhury. Saifur Rahman, Col Oil Ahmed, and Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan put their initials on it.

There was some give and

take — the BNP leaving aside the issue of the floating bridge on Crescent Lake leading to the mazar of Its founder, late President Ziaur Rahman.

The ruling party wilted, allowing public rallies on either of the two main streets, to be effective within 15 days of the accord. and agreeing to lift cases and charges against BNP leaders and workers, subject to investigations by March 31.

Giving his reaction after posing for a smiling group photo-session. Mohammad Nasim said he was the happiest person as his efforts were with success.

Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, the BNP Secretary General, said if all the points in the accord are abided by. it would help uphold the parliamentary tradition in the country.

People wanted the parliament to be effective. If the agreement is Implemented, they would be happy, he said.

Another AL negotiator. To-fael Ahmed, told newsmen that through implementation of the accord, the government in cooperation with the opposition party, would be able to strengthen parliamentary democracy in the country. 'The agreement has proved Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's sincerity to make the parliament effective.”

The dialogue, adjourned at 1:30 pm on Sunday, resumed at eight last night.