BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is going to start her primary talks with leaders of like minded political parties Thursday with a view to forging greater national unity against terrorism.
As part of her initiative, she will hold a meeting with president of Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Janata League Bangabir Kader Siddique Biruttam after magreb prayer Thursday at her Gulshan residence.“The pre-discussion on unity process at the call of Khaleda Zia begins on Thursday. The party chairperson will also hold parleys with leaders of other political parties in phases,” said a senior leader of BNP.
The former premier is likely to make a call for national unity at a stage of her parleys, he added.
Kader Siddique told reporters that he would go to Gulshan residence of the BNP chairperson today evening.
Replying to a question, he said many issues including the latest development in the political arena may come up in the discussion.
Earlier at a press conference, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Khaleda Zia made the call for national unity against terrorism and militancy from her national responsibility.
He said the BNP chairperson is going to start her talks with different political parties.
“We would convey it to the media if it is succeeded,” he added.
Earlier on July 3, Khaleda Zia at a press conference called upon everybody to form a national unity against terrorism.
She made the call while speaking to a press briefing at her Gulshan office after a meeting of her party’s standing committee just two days after militant attack on Holey Artisan Bakery Restaurant that left 29 people including 17 foreigners and five militants killed.
As part of her initiative, the former premier has taken the decision last week to invite leaders of different like-minded political parties outside the ruling Awami League led 14-party alliance and individuals over tea to discuss over forging a national unity against terrorism and militancy.
According to decision, the Jamaat-e-Islami, a major component of the 20-party alliance will remain outside the anti-terrorism unity process.
The BNP chairperson entrusted the responsibility to Mirza Alamgir to contact with leaders of political parties while with two leading intellectuals considered to be her closed advisers—Prof Dr Emajuddin Ahmed and Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury have been requested to assist him to invite members of civil society and individuals.
As part of the initiative, Khaleda Zia has had a meeting with pro-BNP intellectuals, leaders of professional bodies and journalists to discuss forging the national unity irrespective of political affiliation. The party think tank suggested the party chairperson to keep the Jamaat from the unity process.
