E-Paper
Bangladesh parties begin talks on electoral reform
The Secretary General of ruling BNP Abdul Bhuiyan and Abdul Jalil, the general secretary of the Awami League last met on October 5.
Bangladesh's ruling and main opposition party began fifth round of crucial talks on electoral reforms later on Monday.
The Secretary General of BNP Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and Abdul Jalil, the general secretary of the Awami League last met on October 5.
The talks are taking place at a time when both Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina Wajed are abroad.
The BNP leads a four-party alliance while the Awami League a 14-party one.
The opposition has been demanding electoral reforms since mid-2006 to ensure free, fair and transparent polls.
The reform proposals were initially shunned by the governing side.
Bangladesh's elections are scheduled for early 2007 while Zia's five-year term ends October 27. The parliament has already wrapped up.
