A start to the dialogue

A full solution to all points of contention was not reached at the meeting between the AL-led 14 party alliance and the newly formed Jatiya Oikya Front, but it would be a stretch to say such an outcome was expected by anyone.

However, with both parties coming to the table, and agreeing on at least some of the points, it is fair to say the meeting was a good start, and a sign of civility returning to the political process.

Dr Kamal Hossain -- noted jurist and leader of the Jatiya Oikya Front -- himself has said: “The dialogue was fruitful and the prime minister assured us that we can sit for dialogue again.”

On some of the points, the AL and the Oikya Front did see eye to eye: On the demand for a fair election under a non-partisan government, the ruling party gave the assurance of free, fair, and credible elections -- to that end, the AL has fully agreed to having foreign and domestic observers present during this election.

Furthermore, the Election Commission will be free from any interference to ensure a level playing field.

Points of disagreement included the demand for the resignation of government, which the AL claims would be unconstitutional, the deployment of army personnel with magistracy powers, and a postponement of the election.

While there were no surprises in the meeting, and no great breakthroughs were made, it is good to see the dialogue move forward in a rational and civil manner, with no overt animosity -- that is a win for the political process.