PESHAWAR: Khan Abdul Wali Khan, the President of the National Awami Party, said here today [Dec 17] that the National Assembly was the only competent body and proper forum to decide the issue of recognition of Bangladesh.

Talking to newsmen, he stressed, however, that there should be `no party whip,` and the vote in the House should be `conscientious` Replying to a question, Mr. Wali Khan reiterated his party`s stand that Bangladesh should be recognised as, he felt, it would pave the way for entering into a dialogue for solving various issues. He was convinced that the recognition by itself would not solve the issues confronting the nation today, but would open a way for finding their solution. He suggested that political leaders, and leaders of public opinion should be invited by the mass media ... to confront them with each other`s respective viewpoints on the issue. `Personally I don`t mind exchanging views on this issue with any other leader,` he said.

Mr. Wali Khan felt that the recent incidents of violence in the ... country had taken place due to the fact that the Opposition ... had not been afforded any opportunity to express themselves on the issue through the mass media. News agencies