We would have liked to see more details, especially a time frame, as time is now very much of the essence, but there is no denying that the PM has made a sagacious offer and that the ball is now very much in the opposition's court. We would hope that the opposition could take the PM at her word and see her proposal as a window of opportunity for the fruitful resolution of the issues that divide the two sides.

What the nation now needs to see from the opposition is full engagement with the PM's offer so as to show that they really do have a sense of urgency with regard to the resolution of the reform issue. Too much time has already passed and there is not long before the current parliament stands to be dissolved under the constitution.

Sheikh Hasina has spelled out on the opposition reform agenda. The PM in her offer did not rule any subject out, and we construe this to mean that free and open discussion on any issue the opposition has raised is on the table for discussion -- the electoral reform as well as caretaker government issues. The opposition should respond by naming its team for the committee as soon as possible so that we can see that they are sincere in their desire to resolve the differences and reach consensus.

We thank the PM for being so inclusionary and expansive in terms of not attempting to limit the agenda of the talks, and the fact that the ruling alliance has agreed to unfettered talks should be recognised as a big breakthrough.

However, like the opposition, the PM and her government must demonstrate a greater sense of urgency with respect to the matter to be discussed, as we did not detect this in her one sentence offer that came at the fag end of the session. We feel that as much as things have been advanced, that urgency is still the key.

To this end we urge the PM to also name her team for discussions without delay and to also put more flesh on her offer by articulating a time frame. The time for resolving the political impasse dividing the country is now.