BNP today called upon Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to discuss Bangladesh-India bilateral issues with Khaleda Zia and experts before Indian Premier Narendra Modi’s Dhaka visit.

“The outcomes of the discussion will not be treated as one-party’s (government) decisions. It will however be considered as stance of the Bangladeshi people,” BNP spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon expressed hope while speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office in Dhaka.

“We expect the prime minister and foreign minister would sit with Khaleda Zia and experts from her party to discuss our unresolved bilateral issues with India,” Ripon added.

“We have political and ideological differences with the government but we are prepared to extend our all-out cooperation to the Awami League-led government to make the efforts a success,” he added.  

Responding to a query about Modi-Khaleda talk, Ripon said no meeting has yet been scheduled. “It is not disclosed on security ground. We will make it public soon after getting the schedule.” 

“The Indian government generally engages political opponents when it needs to reach understandings on any issues with other countries,” Asaduzzaman Khan Ripon said today.

“This is called the beauty of democracy,” Ripon

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to accompany Modi’s two-day Dhaka visit from June 6.