Poll panel and parties hold talks

Dhaka: Bangladesh's election commission began on Sunday a second round of talks with political parties aimed at setting the stage for a national vote this year.

The election would put Bangladesh back on the road to democracy after an army-backed interim authority imposed emergency rule in early 2007.

Those who met commission officials for talks were Bikalpa Dhara (alternative stream) made up of breakaways from major parties and the small left-wing Bangladesh Samajbadi Dal.

Sunday's discussions were part of a second round of talks with dozens of parties including the Awami League led by detained former prime minister Shaikh Hasina. The Awami League is due to see the commission on Monday.