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Former Bangladesh prime ministers agree to meet for talks
Two former Bangladesh prime ministers, Sheikh Hasina and Begum Khaleda Zia, have agreed to meet ahead of next month's elections, aides said on Thursday, ending over 15 years of frosty silence between them.
- Agencies
- Published: 13:34 November 13, 2008
Dhaka: Two former Bangladesh prime ministers, Sheikh Hasina and Begum Khaleda Zia, have agreed to meet ahead of next month's elections, aides said on Thursday,
ending over 15 years of frosty silence between them.
Hossain Zillur Rahman, an adviser (minister) to the army-backed interim government, said authorities were ready to take any measure to arrange talks between the "battling
begums", as they are known at home.
A "begum" is a Muslim woman of rank.
Hasina and Khaleda last sat down together in 1990 while jointly leading a people's revolt to oust military ruler Hossain Mohammad Ershad.
But they fell out shortly after and despite alternating as prime minister since, their bitter personal differences and sometimes bloody animosity between the parties they lead has undermined Bangladesh politics.
Hasina leads the Awami League, while Khaleda heads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The interim government, as well as analysts and diplomats, hope talks between the two ex-premiers would help resolve a number of issues that threaten to derail the Dec. 18 election.
Annisul Haq, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said he expected a melting of the mutual bad faith and mistrust among the top ladies, resulting in joint efforts to lead the country out of its perennial political impasse.
Analysts say the participation of both major parties is crucial to ensure peaceful voting and a smooth return to democracy.
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