Dhaka: Bangladesh’s 'Battling Begums', Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her arch-rival Khaleda Zia of opposition BNP, are finding it hard to break the ice as they have thrown high-profile 'Iftar' parties on the same day and at the same time on Saturday.
And ironically they have invited each other to their respective parties which are in honour of politicians, diplomats, service persons and officials, apparently indicating that they may not attend each other's feasts, reports said today.
The reports said a protocol officer of the prime minister's office carried the invitation to the opposition leader's office.
Sometimes later, three BNP leaders went to the Premier's Jamuna residence to hand over Zia's invitation for the Iftar, a ritual when Muslims break their day-long fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Hasina is to host the party at Gana Bhaban while Zia is due to host party at nearby Parliament Members' Club the same day for the Iftar in line with the tradition.
Described as 'Battling Begums' of Bangladesh politics, Hasina and Zia have rarely met over the past two decades and have earlier declined to hold meetings despite repeated requests by politicians and civil society leaders. The coincidence of two Begums holding the Iftar party at the same time will make it difficult on fellow politicians and officials, as attendance could be seen as a sign of loyalty, said a senior leader of the ruling Awami League preferring anonymity.
The two top leaders met last three months ago when Zia visited Hasina's private Sudha Sadan residence after the death of her nuclear scientist husband Wajed Mia.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, August 28, 2009, 16:26