Addressing a discussion, organised by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas) to mark the 70th birth anniversary of late president Ziaur Rahman, Bhuiyan urged the opposition to come to parliament ahead of the elections to discuss any reform proposals.

"We do agree to discuss even outside the parliament," said the ruling-party leader, holding out an olive branch for their adversaries.

However, he reiterated his allegation that Awami League (AL) is hindering the election process to foil the next elections.

"Three successful elections were held under the present system of caretaker government. They (opposition) are making different excuses as they know that there is no chance of their victory," he told his audience.

Defending the appointment of two election commissioners without consulting the main opposition, the BNP secretary general said while in office the AL also had appointed election commissioners without consulting the then opposition.

"When they (AL government) had appointed Mohammad Ali and Munsef Ali as election commissioners, they did not consult the then opposition (BNP)," Bhuiyan told the discussion meeting at Shilpakala Academy.

He reminded that despite strong opposition to the appointment of Safiur Rahman as election commissioner, the AL did not remove him.

Responding to AL's opposition to the voter list, Bhuiyan said preparation of electoral roll is a continuous process. "How would you hold elections without preparing a voter list?"

On opposition call for hartal on Sunday, Bhuiyan said hartal does not create public opinion, rather it goes against public interest.

The discussion meeting, presided over by Jasas Acting President MA Malek, was also addressed, among others, by State Minister for Cultural Affairs Selima Rahman, Commerce Advisor Barkatullah Bulu, State Minister for Land Ruhul Quddus Dulu, former Jasas president Rezabaddoula Choudhury and Jasas General Secretary Babul Ahmed.