Awami League (AL) general secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said there could be some talks with BNP and Jatiya Oikyafront representatives if they join Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina’s invitation to exchange greetings over tea. “It’s not a session for formal talks; it’s for exchanging greetings. However, if they join the ceremony, there could be some talks during the interval. But the way they reacted to the PM’s invitation is undemocratic,” he added.

Quader was talking to reporters at his Secretariat office. Earlier, Hasina invited all the 75 political parties, including BNP and Jatiya Oikyafront, to exchange greetings over tea at her official residence on February 2. “It's up to them whether  they will come or not. There could have been further discussions based on the talks,” said Quader. He also criticised BNP and Oikyafront leaders for refusing to join the ceremony of exchange of greetings. “It’s negative politics. That’s why they have been rejected by the people,” he noted.

The AL general secretary also called upon the BNP to reconsider its decision against participating in th upcominge local government polls. “I don’t know whether it’s their final decision, but I will urge them to reconsider their decision,” he added.

“Their participation would make the local government polls more competitive,” he said.

Assuring that all efforts will be taken to make the elections acceptable, Quader expressed hope that the BNP would change its earlier stance and join the elections.