Dhaka: LGRD and Cooperative Minister and general secretary of Awami League Syed Ashraful Islam on Wednesday called upon the opposition to shun the politics of violence to ensure conducive atmosphere for holding a dialogue before the next general election.

"The problem (relating to hold next general election) will be solved through discussions and the opposition will play a complementary role to create a favourable atmosphere to hold the talks because the nation expect an election acceptable to all," he said.

He said this while coming to pay rich tribute at the portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi marking historic Mujibnagar Day.

The AL leader expressed his hope of continuation of democracy on the occasion of Mujibnagar Day, saying, "The people of the country will elect a government for next five years through a free, fair and neutral election."

About withdrawal of BNP hartal, Syed Ashraf said, "Though hartal is a democratic right it significantly affected the public life and BNP realizes the reality and withdrew the strike as it fail to gain public support."

Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city on the occasion of historic Mujibnagar Day.

Flanked by central leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Bangladesh Awami League, placed another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of her party.

Awami League Advisory Council Members Amir Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed, Suarnjit Sengupta and Dr Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Presidium Members Begum Matia Chowdhury, Advocate Sahara Khatun and Satish Chandra Roy, General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, Prime Minister's Adviser Dr Syed Modasser Ali and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Enamul Haque were present, among others.

Later, the leaders of AL's associate bodies including Jubo League, Chhatra League, Mohila Awami League, Jubo Mohila League, Swechchhasebak League, Sramik League and Krishak League laid wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu.

Ends/AMA/17/04/13