DHAKA, Oct 5: A much-awaited dialogue on electoral reforms between the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Awami League began here on Thursday.

In the first round of the talks, the Awami League placed a set of 31 proposals for reforms in the electoral system.

The proposals envisage changes in the law regarding the composition of an interim non-party caretaker government for supervising general election.

Secretary general Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan represented the Bangladesh Nationalist Party while Abdul Jalil represented the Awami League at the one-on-one talks.

“The Awami League formally handed over a set of proposals to me. I sought explanation of the proposals…and he replied,” Mr Bhuiyan told a joint press briefing after the first round.

Mr Jalil endorsed the statement. The two leaders said they would fall back on their party forums for consultation before another round on Friday.

Mr Jalil also said he would brief Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina on the state of negotiations.