Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain on Saturday said national consensus based dialogue between the two main political parties is very much needed on contentious issues including development of democratic process and election.

He made this remark while speaking as the chief guest at a publication ceremony of an annual research report titled 'Governance situation of Bangladesh 2013' under BRAC University Institute of Governance and Development here.

Awami League advisory council member Suranjit Sengupta said the government will consider if BNP proposes for holding dialogue by cutting ties with war criminals as well as accepting continuation of constitution, spirit liberation war and independence.

BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda's adviser Amir Khashru Mahmud Chowdhury said a true democratic government with representative character is needed for ensuring sustainable socio-economic development and democracy.

BIDS researcher director Dr Binayok Sen, professors of Dhaka University Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, Dr Ataur Rahman, Dr Asif nazrul, among others, took part in the discussion chaired by BIGD chief Dr Sultan Hafiz Rahman.

BSS/LY