Earlier on October 31, US Ambassador Peter Haas had held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Qazi Habibul Awal. After the meeting, Peter Haas told journalists that he hoped the political parties would negotiate unconditionally.
When contacted, Awami League and BNP did not immediately comment on the unconditional talks. However, they want to reach a solution through dialogue. The Jatiya Party is skeptical about unconditional talks as the two major parties are at loggerheads.
Meanwhile, while handing over Donald Lu’s letter to the Jaita party, Peter Haas held a meeting with Japa leaders and discussed the political situation, Japa General Secretary Mujibul Haq said.
Mujibul Haq said that three things have been mentioned in the letter. First, America primarily wants to see free, fair, and inclusive elections. Second, it has been said that there should be unconditional talks. Third, the letter reminded about the visa restrictions that the US has adopted to prevent free and fair elections.
In the statement issued by the US Embassy on Monday regarding Donald Lu’s letter, free and fair elections are also mentioned.
Political analysts said the main point of the letter from Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, is to call for unconditional talks to resolve the political crisis.
He believes that violence is taking place by keeping political programs at the center. Due to fear of arrests, opposition leaders are hiding and creating blockades. There should be talks to get out of this situation.