BD govt, parties in crisis talks

Published November 15, 2006

DHAKA, Nov 14: Talks resumed on Tuesday in a bid to end violent protests over a top Bangladesh election official accused of favouring the outgoing government as a nationwide opposition blockade entered its third day.

The caretaker government, tasked with organising parliamentary elections slated for January, met leaders of the independent Jatiya Party in Dhaka. It was later due to hold talks with the outgoing four-party coalition led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The talks followed the government's discussions late on Monday with the main opposition Awami League (AL) and its allies, who are demanding the resignation of chief election commissioner MA Aziz.

The opposition alliance has accused Mr Aziz of making the polls a foregone conclusion by drawing up an electoral list with 10 million fake voters and say they will continue with protests and a road, rail and river blockade until he is replaced.

One man died and dozens were injured on Monday in a clash between opposition supporters and riot police in the capital.

Thousands of opposition activists again held rallies on Tuesday in Dhaka and blocked highways linking the country's main cities, raising concerns about food and other supplies, police said, adding no violence was reported.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...