"I hope the schedule will be announced by August 7," Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Moudud Ahmed said yesterday while briefing journalists at his office.

Asked whether the government will invite Awami League (AL) to dialogue if it decides to refrain from participating in the election, the minister said, "Why shall we go for dialogue? It is a matter of the Election Commission."

If the AL does not take part in the election, open election will be held to nine seats allocated for AL on the basis of its representation in parliament.

The minister hoped that the main opposition party will join the election.