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

Opinion

Editorial

Large projects again?
Updated 03 Jun, 2024

Large projects again?

Government must focus on debt sustainability by curtailing its spending and mobilising more resources.
Local power
03 Jun, 2024

Local power

A SIGNIFICANT policy paper was recently debated at an HRCP gathering, calling for the constitutional protection of...
Child-friendly courts
03 Jun, 2024

Child-friendly courts

IN a country where the child rights debate has been a belated one, it is heartening to note that a recent Supreme...
Dutch courage
Updated 02 Jun, 2024

Dutch courage

ECP has been supported wholeheartedly in implementing twisted interpretations of democratic process by some willing collaborators in the legislature.
New World cricket
02 Jun, 2024

New World cricket

HAVING finished as semi-finalists and runners-up in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup in familiar ...
Dead on arrival?
02 Jun, 2024

Dead on arrival?

Whatever the motivations for Gaza peace plan, it is difficult to see the scheme succeeding.