They also said political deadlock is to be settled or the democratic system will be damaged.

"At last, the dialogue is going to happen. Although it's late, this dialogue will lead to a compromise", said Communication Minister Nazmul Huda. Education Minister Osman Farruk also expressed similar views.

This positive gesture came at a talk show titled "Tritio Matra" recorded by Channel I, a private television, yesterday in a city hotel. The programme will be broadcast for three days starting today, said the organisers.

AL Presidium Member Abdur Razzak, Jatiya Party (JP) Presidium Member Kazi Firoz Rashid, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) leader ASM Abdur Rob, former adviser to the caretaker government ASM Shahjahan, Centre for Policy Dialogue's (CPD) Executive Director Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, President of Bangladesh Political Science Association Dr Ataur Rahman and FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain were the panel members.

"People did not give all their mandates to BNP and Awami League as there are other political parties inside and outside the parliament, so the dialogue should take place between all parties", said Rob.

Firoz Rashid said, "This dialogue is nothing but an eye wash. Both the BNP and AL will compromise between themselves only to come to power."

He castigated both the parties for spreading corruption and damaging democratic institutions.

Abdur Razzak said, "If we (BNP and AL) agree, we can bring any reform for the interest of the people." In a query, he said all the political parties should agree on reforms to avoid hartal.

Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya urged the political leaders not to give nomination to the corrupt and dishonest politicians.

ASM Shahjahan said the caretaker government would face a hard time if the two parties do not go for a fruitful conclusion over the electoral reforms.