AL demands withdrawal of polls schedule

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Awami League has demanded withdrawal of the election schedule of four city corporations and nine municipalities, announced by the Election Commission Friday, reports bdnews24.com.

Awami League acting president Zillur Rahman, speaking to reporters at his residence after the EC's announcement, called the schedule a 'farce.'

'We think the Election Commission's announcement of a local polls schedule is a conspiracy. The announcement is not right. The government has acted against the public opinion,' said the AL leader.

'We want to make it clear that no election can be held amidst a state of emergency,' Zillur said, urging the Election Commission to 'withdraw' the schedule announcement.

Asked whether Awami League would participate in the local elections, however, Zillur said: 'We will act according to the situation.'

AL presidium member Tofail Ahmed said of the announced polls schedule: 'Its consequence will not be good.'

'A free and fair election acceptable to all can not be held amid a state of emergency,' he also said.