Dhaka: Though the prime minister apparently ruled out the possibility of taking its suggestions over the formation of the new Election Commission, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday hoped the government will finally do it through talks.

‘We didn’t lose our hope as we’re in favour of democracy. It’s our expectation that she’ll engage in discussions (over the issue),’ said BNP vice-chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu.

Mentioning that disputes are usually resolved through talks, he said, ‘Though the prime minster initially rejected it (any possibility to hold discussion with BNP), I’m hopeful that she’ll finally respond to our call.’

Dudu came up with the remarks at a press briefing at BNP’s Central office in Dhaka.

Earlier at her press conference at Ganabhaban, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, ‘If their (BNP’s) suggestions are taken, we’ll have to form an election commission which will again make the voter list with fake voters. It’s my question whether you want it,’ she said.

The tenure of the current Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad-led Election Commission will expire in February next.

Dudu criticised the government for what he said foiling a programme of Gendaria Thana unit BNP at the city’s Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh protesting a conspiracy against BNP vice chairman Sadeque Hossain Khoka.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was scheduled to attended the programme as the chief guest.

Dudu said though Gendaria BNP had taken verbal permission from the police to hold the programme, the law enforcers obstructed their programme saying the permission was cancelled. ‘We strongly condemn and protest the police action.’