Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offers prayers at an iftar party hosted by her for leaders of different political parties at Gono Bhaban yesterday. On her right are Roushan Ershad, Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad and Bikalpadhara President Prof Badruddoza Chowdhury and on her left is Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury. Photo: PID

Leaders of different political parties attended an iftar party hosted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the lawn of her official residence yesterday.

The politicians from both the ruling Awami League-led grand alliance and separate parties turned up and exchanged views with the prime minister on the evolving political situation in the country.

With her usual smile Hasina went round, exchanged pleasantries and inquired of the guests' wellbeing. She had brief conversations with some political leaders sitting on the dais.

Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad, Roushan Ershad, Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Ruhul Amin Howlader, Bikalpadhara President Prof Badruddoza Chowdhury, Major (retd) Abdul Mannan, Jatiya Party (Manju) President Anwar Hossain Manju and Ziauddin Bablu attended the iftar.

Others include Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Huq Inu, Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim, Krishak Sramik Janata League President Qader Siddique and Islami Oikya Jote Chief Misbahur Rahman.

Asked about the conversations with the prime minister, Ershad said Jatiya Party wants to contest the next election independently. In reply Hasina told him that this is not the place to discuss it and not the time to do politics. She said this is the time for iftar.

Prof Badruddoza Chowdhruy said they exchanged pleasantries. Asked about his party's recent liaison with BNP, he said parliamentary election is a long way off.

Mujhadul Islam Selim said he informed the prime minister about his worries about the country. In reply, she said she is not worried at all.

Qader Siddique said they discussed what “a brother and sister usually discuss”. To another question, he said the country is not running well. There is lack of stability, peace and mutual respect.