Upazila elections within 7 days of JS polls may create violence: AL

---

Awami League (AL) acting president Zillur Rahman observed that upazila parishad elections within seven days of the parliamentary polls might create violence and disturbance across the country, reports UNB.
In his instant reaction to the holding of general elections on December 18 announced by the Chief Adviser (CA), Zillur said, "it is a good speech to listen to. But there is jugglery of election dates in the CA's speech. If the government holds upazila elections just after seven days of the parliamentary polls, it may create violence, anarchy and many other disturbances."
Talking to journalists at his Gulshan residence, he looked unhappy over the CA's remarks that the state of emergency will be relaxed or rescinded ahead of the polls.
Zillur expressed dissatisfaction as the CA did not declare time and date for lifting the state of emergency before the polls.
"The AL has been demanding the full withdrawal of the state of emergency for creating a democratic environment but our demand remains unrealised," he said.
Zillur said his party will continue to voice their demand for complete withdrawal of the state of emergency to hold a free and fair election.
Jamaat
Acting secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami Mohammad Qamaruzzaman hailed the address of CA saying fixation of general election date on December 18 has reflected the aspiration of the party and people as well.
He, however, insisted on complete lifting of emergency well ahead of the polls to ensure free and pair polls.
On upazila polls within a week, on December 24 and 28, the Jamaat leader said it raised confusion if upazila polls could be held within the short gap of time. "We will discuss the matter in Sunday's executive committee meeting and let you know," he added.
IOJ
Meanwhile, Islami Oikya Jote (IOJ) secretary general Abdul Latif Nezami hailed the election date of December 18 announced by CA Fakhruddin Ahmed in his address to the nation Saturday night.
"The speech of the CA is positive. We hope the government will be able to hold the election on the date announced," Nezami told the news agency by phone giving immediate reaction of his party.
He, however, insisted on lifting of emergency well before the election enabling the candidates to campaign freely.
Nezami demanded suspension of the rule for registration of political parties with Election Commission. It will not be possible for registration wholly abiding by the rules.