Dhaka, March 25 -- Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has urged the government to convene talks with all political parties, including those outside parliament, to address what he called the country's difficult times.

On Wednesday, the eve of Independence Day, Shafiqur emphasised national unity over partisan politics.

He said, "A difficult time has come in our national life. By showing generosity. we don't need a deputy speaker; be generous and sit together on national problems."

Dhaka-15 MP Shafiqur suggested that such discussions be held outside parliament, "because not all parties are in the House".

He also urged the inclusion of groups with historical roles in the Liberation War and the July Uprising.

"You [with the discussants...