Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia, who rarely meet face to face, are sharing pleasantries during an Iftar party at Senakunjo in Dhaka Cantonment yesterday. Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia to return to parliament as the two leaders exchanged greetings at an iftar party at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment.
"Please join parliament and speak," Hasina requested her and Khaleda, in response, said nothing but gave a chuckle.
Both the leaders shared the same table during the iftar. Speaker Abdul Hamid, Chief of Army and Air Staff General Md Abdul Mubeen and Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman sat in between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition.
Armed Forces Division organised the iftar in honour of the prime minister where the speaker, deputy speakers, ministers, advisers to the prime minister, state ministers, lawmakers, leaders of different political parties, foreign diplomats, senior civil and military officials were also present.
About the prime minister's call to the opposition leader, Speaker Abdul Hamid told reporters that he hoped that Khaleda Zia would join the House after Eid-ul-Fitr.
He said that there was a cordial environment when the two leaders were exchanging views. "I feel really good when I see them together in programmes like this," the speaker said.
The speaker was seen helping the leader of the opposition in taking iftar items with a big smile on his face.
Khaleda, also the BNP chairperson, along with few BNP lawmakers and leaders reached the venue at around 6:55pm while Hasina arrived at 7:00pm.
Army Chief Gen Mubeen, Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral ZU Ahmed, Air Force Chief Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rehman and Principal Staff Officer Maj Gen Abdul Wadud received the prime minister at the programme.
Entering the venue the Hasina exchanged pleasantries with the invited guests. At about 7:10 she went on to the stage and greeted Khaleda.
Then the two leaders shared pleasantries for around a minute, which created a jubilant environment there. Last year both the leaders also shared some moments together at the Armed Forces Day Ceremony.
In recent times, Khaleda visited Hasina's home to offer condolences on the death of the prime minister's husband Dr M Wazed Miah in May this year.
A special prayer was offered for the development of armed forces and continued peace, advancement and prosperity of the country at the ifter party.