Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday alleged that the hope generated among people to have a good deal to solve the political crisis through the talks between the ruling and major opposition alliance has started fading due to the government’s ‘stubborn’ attitude.

‘The wayward attitude the ruling alliance demonstrated during the dialogue with Jatiya Oikyafront yesterday (Thursday) is a big ominous sign for democracy and a fair election,’ said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, reports the UNB.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, he further said, ‘The dialogue initiative generated hope among people, but it has started fading after the talks (between the 14-party alliance and Oikyafront).’

Rizvi also said the progress on the efforts to hold a fair election have also got affected due to Awami League’s firm stance on not responding to Oikyafront’s seven-point demand.

He, however, said if the government becomes sincere for holding a fair and neutral election and removing the politics of division, it will hold talks further with Oikyafront leaders to reach a consensus over their demands.

The BNP leader said they will not make any compromise over their chairperson Khaleda Zia’s release from jail.

He alleged their party leaders and activists are being arrested even after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina talked about taking steps for stopping harassment and arrest of opposition leaders and activists during the talks. ‘Just after the conclusion of the talks, our Tangail district Chhatra Dal vice president Mohammad Ethen was arrested.’

Rizvi warned that their party leaders and activists will take to the streets to realise their seven-point demand if the government continues to show its rigid stance on not accepting those.

On Thursday night, Oikyafront leaders, led by Dr Kamal Hossain, held a lengthy discussion with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led 14-party alliance leaders at Ganobhaban.

Briefing reporters about the outcome of the talks, Dr Kamal Hossain said they placed their seven-point demand before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but did not find any specific solution except some good words about rallies and meetings.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their party is not happy over the talks with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led 14-party alliance. ‘There were discussions on various issues. The Prime Minister said they will sit again. I, on behalf of my party, can say we’re not happy with the discussions.’