Bangladeshi party softens stance

Khaleda Zia was unhappy with the poll but will discuss co-operation

The defeated party in Bangladesh's election has said its leader is willing to work with victor Sheikh Hasina.

After initially alleging widespread fraud, Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said it was ready to give Sheikh Hasina a chance.

The BNP said it hoped Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League, would "invite Khaleda Zia to discuss co-operation".

Sheikh Hasina won a landslide victory and her government is expected to be sworn in by Tuesday.

The democratically elected government will replace a two-year interim administration that was backed by the military.

There had been fears of unrest if the BNP refused to accept the election result.

Minor disturbances

BNP secretary-general Khandakaer Delwar Hossain said: "Khaleda Zia will be ready to co-operate with the incoming prime minister and her government.

"We hope Sheikh Hasina will invite Khaleda Zia and discuss cooperation."

Sheikh Hasina has offered the BNP posts for co-operation

Correspondents say this is a significant change in the BNP's position.

It had earlier alleged that the vote was rigged so that the result was unacceptable.

It later softened its tone with Mr Hossain saying: "We want to give the Awami League party the opportunity to run the country. We want to see them keep their promises to the people."

Security officials say there have only been minor disturbances since Monday's election.

The Awami League won 230 of the 300 seats and the BNP just 29.

International monitors said the poll was "credible".

The Awami League said Sheikh Hasina could take the oath as prime minister on Monday or Tuesday.

A campaign against corruption last year saw both main party leaders, and many of their most prominent colleagues, arrested.

The leaders were both freed to contest the poll.