President invites AL, five other parties for talks over EC format

Ruling Awami League (AL) and five other political parties have been invited to Bangabhaban for talks with President Abdul Hamid over formation of new Election Commission (EC).

"Letters have been sent to the address of the offices of AL and five other parties today (Monday)," President`s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told BSS.

According to the press secretary, President Abdul Hamid will hold talks with Ganotontri Party and Gano Forum on January 8, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and Islami Andolon on January 9 and ruling Awami League on January 11.

President Hamid initiated the formal talks with political parties over formation of the EC as the tenure of the current Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad-led EC expires in February next.

As part of the move he held first discussion with BNP on December 18 last year.

The President also held meeting with Jatiya Party, LDP, Jasod, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Workers Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Front, Islami Oikya Jote and Jatiya Party (Manju).

The President is also scheduled to hold talks with Bangladesh Tarikat Federation and Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) tomorrow (January 3), National Awami Party and Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal on January 4, Communist Party of Bangladesh on January 5, Bikalpha Dhara Bangladesh and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) on January 7.