Ruling party functionaries yesterday rejected any possibility of talks with the BNP. The rejection came a day after BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia issued a press statement, urging the government to initiate a national dialogue to resolve the ongoing political crisis. “Any kind of national dialogue or ousting the government isn't possible by creating anarchy or hatching conspiracies against the country from abroad. This is not the way to hold a discussion. Nowadays, it needs qualification to sit for a dialogue,” road, transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader said at a reception function at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) in the city. “On the one hand, Khaleda Zia is hatching conspiracies and trying to foment anarchy by killing policemen, bloggers, writers and publishers. On the other hand, she is calling for a national dialogue. She is responsible for damaging the political situation for holding talks,” he added.
“Actually the BNP has no strength to wage a strong movement and that is why they are seeking dialogue again and again,” he said. "Why will we sit with them (BNP), who are they?” he added. The minister said, “The country was liberated through the sacrifices of millions of people. If anyone believes that he or she can make the country a failed state by carrying out secret killings, then that person is living in a fool’s paradise.”
“Talking too much is harmful for politics. We should be cautious before making any statements related to the country’s politics,” he added.
Echoing his Cabinet colleague, Finance Minister AMA Muhith told reporters in Sylhet that the BNP chief’s call for a national dialogue was “rubbish”.
"Total rubbish! The statement is complete rubbish! Rubbish!" said the finance minister when he was asked to comment on Khaleda’s recent call for dialogue at a programme in Sylhet.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, currently in London undergoing treatment, in a statement on Thursday said the country was going through a 'crisis'. She hoped the government would initiate a national dialogue to overcome this.