Why invite BNP for talks through a third party? Salahuddin questions interim govt

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today (8 November) questioned why his party is being invited to political discussions through a third party instead of directly by the chief adviser of the interim government.

"We have supported the interim government and will continue to do so within that boundary. But if you think you will invite us for talks through another political party, who are they? Why are we being invited through someone else?" he said while speaking at a Chhatra Dal discussion marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka.

Salahuddin further said the BNP is always ready to join any dialogue if invited officially by the chief adviser.

Salahuddin added that the BNP maintains communication with all political parties, including the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami, as part of democratic practice. 

However, he said, "it is not right to indirectly use any party as a referee to arrange talks on political issues."

"The government must remember it is not an elected one. Your mandate extends only to holding a free and fair election, and BNP's support will continue only up to that point," he said.

He also criticised the recent ultimatum issued by Islamist parties over the referendum issue, saying, "Whom are you warning? The government is already working in your favour. So, who are these ultimatums really for?"

Salahuddin alleged that the chief adviser's endorsement of the Consensus Commission's recommendations represents a "clear conflict of interest," claiming the commission's report "fails to reflect months of discussion."