Motia happy to learn Tofail so anxious about Hasina

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Awami League (AL) presidium member Begum Motia Chowdhury Sunday said she never spoke of uniting AL and BNP chiefs Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, but it is the government that has been treating the two leaders on the same plane.
Responding to AL presidium member Tofail Ahmed's remark that he would give up politics if Hasina and Khaleda stand together, Motia said she did not speak about bringing the two leaders together. "It is the government and its advisers who are treating both on equal footing."
She referred to Law and Information Minister Mainul Hosein's frequent remarks that put the two leaders on the same plane, reflecting the government's intention to exclude them from politics.
"I think Tofail Shaheb got it wrong, but I am very happy to learn that he is so anxious about the 'Netri' (Hasina)," Motia told the news agency.
Defending what she stated to the reporters outside Sudha Sadan Saturday, she said it's not only her observation but the Wall Street Journal's article as well as the lessons of world history that extremism raises its head when established political parties are made to become weakened.
In support of her contention, the outspoken AL leader questioned how Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid was permitted to go abroad despite the murder and extortion cases against him and why Sheikh Hasina was barred from attending her ailing daughter in America. "Doesn't it look a propitious ground for the rise of extremism?
Motia had also told reporters Saturday that it is a misconception to practice democracy excluding the two leaders- Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia.
"A hate campaign continues against Sheikh Hasina," she said, adding:
"Let the people judge, and let the people decide."
Asked if she feels that Hasina and Khaleda should take a common stand in the changed political situation, Motia said she does not support it as she has bitter experience of the Khaleda's past rule. "Enough is enough… I will personally oppose it."
About party reforms, she reiterated that whatever proposals are there must be placed before the AL council session for endorsement by the councilors.