DACCA: The Awami League Chief Sheikh Muj­ibur Rahman, and the Pakistan People’s Party Chairman, Mr Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, held their first round of talks this evening [Jan 27] at the former’s Dhanmandi residence. The two leaders met behind closed doors alone for 75 minutes while their aides waited in an adjoining room.

Emerging from the talks, hand in hand, both Mr Mujibur Rahman and Mr Bhutto, told waiting newsmen that they would meet again and “many more times”, but did not say when. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said that the talks would continue. “He [Mr Bhutto] is here and we will meet many more times.”

Mr Bhutto said, “We have just started. Talks will continue”. Asked whether they would meet alone or with their aides, the PPP leader said the whole thing was flexible. The main thing was to meet and discuss. Whether they met alone or along with others was not important.

Smiling, Sheikh Mujib said, “Allow us some time to discuss. You will get everything when we come to such stage”. Earlier, when the PPP Chairman arrived at Sheikh Mujib’s residence, the latter came up to the steps and welcomed him with an embrace saying “I welcome you”.

Mr Bhutto replied, “I am honoured to meet you. I am looking forward to these discussions hopefully.” Sheikh Mujib then conducted Mr Bhutto to the meeting room... . — Agency

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2021