n its continuing dialogue with the government, the Awami League (AL) urged the withdrawal of the state of emergency and the announcement of a specific date for the general elections, scheduled for December. The AL delegation, led by its president Zillur Rahman also called for the unconditional and permanent release of party president Sheikh Hasina, the withdrawal of all "false charges" against her, convening of a trial of war criminals as well as the curbing of the price hike in essential commodities1.

However, both sides failed to reach a consensus on the contentious issues2. Sheikh Hasina on her part was also insisting that the caretaker government should hold the parliamentary elections before the local body elections (scheduled for August 4) as this would help in the smooth transition to democracy3.

The BNP meanwhile was sticking to its decision to boycott the local elections, as the emergency was not yet lifted4. It however announced that it would not take any disciplinary action against those candidates participating in the elections5.

• 1. “AL Sits With Govt Today: Lifting of emergency, polls date AL priorities,” The Daily Star, July 03, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=43976
• 2. “Govt, AL fail to reach consensus: Sit again soon,” The Daily Star, July 04, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=44147
• 3. “CG should give priority to parliamentary polls: Hasina,” The Daily Star, July 05, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=44271
• 4. “Aug 4 Polls: 4-party won't take part if emergency not withdrawn,” The Daily Star, June 30, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=43513
• 5. “City Elections: BNP may go soft on poll-runners,” The Daily Star, July 06, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=44459