B'desh President invites rival leaders to tea

Dhaka, Dec 2: Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed invited leaders of rival parties for tea today, in what is seen as a last minute bid to overcome a deepening political crisis ahead of parliamentary elections in January.

The president, who also heads an interim government in charge of conducting the polls, has invited Sheikh Hasina, head of a 14-party alliance, and her rival Begum Khaleda Zia, leader of a four-party combine, to have tea at his palace.

They have been asked to come in separately, a senior official said. But he could not confirm if either of them had accepted the invitation.

Hasina and Khaleda, who have ruled the country by turn for the last 15 years, have not spoken to each other for about 10 years.

Iajuddin's invitation came a day before a transport blockade that is likely to paralyse much of the country -- the third in three weeks.

Previous blockades have often been violent and at least 40 people have been killed in fighting between rival groups since Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Khaleda ended a five-year term as prime minister in October.

The warring party leaders are crossing swords over Bangladesh's Election Commission, which has set a voting date for January 21.

The constitution says a new election must be held within three months after the end of tenure of the previous government.

Khaleda Zia, chief of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), ended her five-year tenure as prime minister late in October, handing power to the caretaker administration.

Hasina, chief of Awami League, rejected the poll date and related schedules, saying they were announced in haste.

Hasina also wants the election commission to be fully reorganised by removing key officials, including acting chief Mahfuzur Rahman. Hasina also wants voter registration lists to be overhauled, saying they are riddled with false names.

The commission said any changes must be initiated by the president, which he could do in consultation with major political parties.

REUTERS