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Onus is on parties

Staff Correspondent
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Hillary urges BNP for dialogue in or outside JS to find out solution for fair polls; US wants govt to take right steps; Ilias' daughter gives her a letter
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Hillary Clinton yesterday said it is the responsibility of political parties to find out how a free, fair and participatory election can be held in Bangladesh.
“The US wants a free and fair election. Political parties have to find out the way through holding dialogue and it can be in or outside of parliament,” Hillary was quoted as saying dur-
ing a meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence.
BNP Vice-chairman Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury briefed newsmen at the chairperson's Gulshan office about the meeting.
The meeting started at 9:25pm and lasted for an hour. Khaleda at the meeting accused the government of political repression.
Referring to the recent disappearance of BNP leader M Ilias Ali, she said people are panicked following the incident.
"Party's acting secretary general could not attend the meeting as he has been on the run due to police cases. We didn't declare any destructive programme, but the government is filing numerous cases against our leaders. Even we are not getting justice from the court,” said Khaleda.
Hillary said these are sad incidents. She hoped the government will take necessary measures to overcome the situation and find and rescue Ilias in good health.
The secretary of state asked the BNP chairperson about the country's internal
situation including politics, said Shamsher, a former foreign secretary.
Khaleda said people want free and fair elections as it is a pillar of democracy. Election will not be acceptable to anyone if it is held without participation of all parties, she added.
Hillary, in reply, said she had discussed the issue with the Bangladesh government.
Shamsher said the US leader enquired about BNP's views on Bangladesh-US relationship.
Khaleda said if the US allowed duty-free access of Bangladeshi readymade garment products, it would have a positive impact on Bangladesh's economy and contribute a lot to women's empowerment.
Hillary appreciated the former premier for her
contribution to women's education in Bangladesh. Khaleda lauded the US leader for her role as the US secretary of state.
“As a woman I will be happy if you can reach a higher position like the president of the US,” the BNP chief told Hillary.
“Nothing can be ruled out,” responded the US leader.
During the meeting, missing BNP leader Ilias Ali's daughter Saiara Nawal handed over a letter to Hillary.
Accepting the letter, she said she had already discussed about Saiara's father with the government.
BNP standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, chairperson's adviser Reaz Rahman and Sabihuddin Ahmed were present at the meeting.