Is Biden Holding Dialogue With Trump?: Bangladesh PM Rejects US Pressure, Refuses To Hold Dialogue With Islamist BNP

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated on Tuesday (31 October) that she will hold talks with the opposition only if the US President Joe Biden sits for a dialogue with former US president Donald Trump, Daily Star reported.

She questioned, "Is [US President] Biden engaging in dialogue with Trump? If Biden decides to engage in a dialogue with Trump, then I will consider dialogue with the opposition." This statement was made during a press conference in response to the US Ambassador's proposal for discussions with the opposition.

After a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, expressed hope that all sides would engage in an unconditional "dialogue" to de-escalate tensions and pave the way for a free, fair, and peaceful election.

Prime Minister Hasina also emphasised that the people of Bangladesh do not wish to engage in dialogue with individuals involved in violent activities. She affirmed, "No dialogue with the killers. This is Bangladesh. People of the country also do not want any dialogue with killers."

She added that the election would proceed as planned and accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of attempting to create a turbulent situation before the national election.

"BNP, in reality, does not seek an election; they aim to create a tumultuous situation," she asserted. "BNP is a party with ties to terrorism, and as such, they need to learn a significant lesson," she remarked during the press conference.

Also read: Why India Needs To Tell The US To Lay Off The Upcoming Parliamentary Elections In Bangladesh