Dhaka, Nov 28 (IANS)

 Bangladesh's ruling Awami League (AL) and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are holding talks under wraps to end the political deadlock, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith has revealed.

The minister hoped the crisis will end in a dialogue.

"A confidential dialogue is taking place between the two big parties (the Awami League and BNP)," reported bdnews24.com citing the senior Awami League leader Wednesday.

"Syed Ashraful Islam (Awami League General Secretary) is negotiating on our behalf and Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir for the BNP," Muhith said while declining to comment further on the matter.

The minister said there were still chances of an agreement on the government that will steer the nation through general elections. "There's no reason to give up on dialogue."

Bangladesh parliamentary elections are due to be held Jan 5.