No talks if hartal not withdrawn: Ashraf

Ashraf abour talks

Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam. Star file photo

Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam today said the ruling party would not sit with the BNP if the latter does not withdraw its 60-hour hartal beginning Monday.
Ashraf who is also the LGRD minister yesterday said hartal is not a barrier to political dialogue and the government’s main concern is to hold a participatory election.
Referring to business leaders’ last night meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia where she agreed on a secretary general-level talks with the AL, Ashraf said the ruling party always believes in talks but the opposition has to create congenial environment for that.
Speaking at a rally in the afternoon, the AL leader said AL will sit in discussions with BNP if the latter withdraws the hartal by today. “Otherwise, AL will not sit for any dialogue.”

Source: The Daily Star