Opposition leader Khaleda Zia told United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that her party is ready to sit for dialogue with the government over poll-time administration to resolve country’s current political crisis.

“During their telephonic conversation, opposition leader Khaleda Zia told the UN secretary-general that there is no alternative but to hold dialogue to resolve crisis. BNP is ready for any type of dialogue or discussion. But the government is not taking initiative in this regard,” said BNP acting secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

The conversation between Khaleda and Ban Ki-moon was held from the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on Friday evening, he told journalists at a press briefing.

“The UN chief talked to Khaleda Zia over phone about the current political crisis of the country around 6:45pm,” Fakhrul said. Khaleda told Ban Ki-moon that BNP will not take part in the next general election under the party in power, he added.

“Ban Ki-moon told the opposition leader that the UN wants to see a free, fair and credible election with the participation of all parties. So, the UN is observing the political situation of Bangladesh keenly.”

In reply to the UN chief’s remark, the BNP chief said there is no alternative to a non-party government for a free, fair and neutral election.

At the same time, the Election Commission will also have to be strong, she mentioned.

Ban Ki-moon’s telephone is part of the UN initiative to see the next general election free and fair with participation of all political parties.