Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, released on bail on Thursday after a year behind bars on corruption charges, told four government ministers late on Friday she would cooperate in efforts to restore a credible democracy after nearly two years of Emergency rule.

"She also agreed in principle to our proposal for a tripartite dialogue with the government and Sheikh Hasina, another former premier," Government Advisor (Minister) Hossain Zillur Rahman said after the meeting.

Khaleda and her bitter rival, Sheikh Hasina, alternated as Prime Minister over 15 years, most of the time barely speaking to each other. The formidable pair, both heirs to political dynasties, came to be known as the ‘Battling Begums’, a reference to their honorifics as Muslim women of rank.

Both the present government and political analysts believe Bangladesh's decades of never-ending unrest can be blamed in large part on their refusal to compromise on any national issue.

After the army-backed administration suspended democracy in early 2007 to end months of political street violence, both women were arrested for alleged corruption while in government.

Both have now been released from custody, apparently to make sure their parties take part in the December polls and help ensure a peaceful vote and smooth transition to democracy.

Hasina was paroled in June to travel to the United States for medical treatment, but officials of her Awami League have said she would return home in early October. Khaleda heads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The interim government has said all major parties must take part in the coming election so that a strong democratic administration can take charge in January 2009.

Friday night's ministerial meeting with Khaleda was similar to one the government held with Hasina before she left for the United States in June, a day after she was paroled.

On each occasion, Fakhruddin Ahmed, head of the interim authority, spoke with the ex-Premier by telephone while his ministers sat face to face with her.

Fakhruddin insisted to Khaleda on Friday that the election would definitely take place in December, as he had promised, and urged all political parties to cooperate fully.