Following is the full text of the Awami League- BNP agreement signed yesterday:

The government and the main opposition party BNP, following four sessions held between them under the initiative and chairmanship of the Honourable Speaker on February 27, 28 ana March 1. 2, reached consensus on the following points. At the outset of the meeting, the Honourable Speaker thanked members of both the parties for Joining the discussion initiated by him and stated categorically that he would maintain complete neutrality following the Constitution, Rules of Procedure and custom in running the affairs of the House. In this regard, he

Text of accord

From Page 1 sought cooperation from all concerned.

The following are the decisions taken unanimously:

1. The four-point accord signed between the two sides on January 14. 1997 would be effectively implemented. To this end. the following steps will be taken:

a) As raised by the BNP, the cases and allegations of harassment against its leaders and workers would be withdrawn by March 31 subject to investigation.

b) All 113 MPs of BNP will be accommodated on 35 parliamentary standing committees. Already-formed other committees will be also re-constituted following discussions with the BNP.

c) Proceedings of the parliament will be broadcast on Radio and Television neutrally and objectively, and all parliament members belonging to both Treasury and Opposition benches will be given equal opportunity. It will be ensured that statements made by both Treasury and Opposition members during question-answer sessions and Business Advisory Committee meetings and any scheduled debate will get equal treatment In live broadcasts. The Speaker will take appropriate steps in consultation with the whips of both sides if any complaints in this regard are made.

2. In the next 15 days, a place — either in Panthapath or in Manik Miah Avenue — will be chosen for holding public meetings.

Based on this understanding. the main Opposition BNP will join the on-going session of Parliament by March 8.