Govt didn't give assurance of Hasina's participation in polls: Zillur
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Awami League's acting president Zillur Rahman said Saturday the caretaker government had not given them any assurance over party chief Sheikh Hasina's participation in the coming general election, reports UNB.
"In Thursday's dialogue, the government only said that Sheikh Hasina could operate Awami League (AL) in the elections, but didn't say that she could participate in the elections," he said about the riddle.
He was talking to journalists at his Gulshan residence when a delegation of Habiganj district Awami League came to meet him in the afternoon.
"But we will not join the polls without a free Sheikh Hasina," the acting AL chief said, while other senior leaders of his party aired doubts about her chance.
The veteran politician also asked the government to lift the state of emergency immediately for a free and fair election.
He said an election could not be credible and fair under the emergency law.
Zillur further said the general election, now set for December 18, must be held on this date, and held with Hasina in the race. "Without Sheikh Hasina no polls will be held in the country," he said on a note of warning.
"For having an election on December 18, Sheikh Hasina must be released and allowed to participate in the elections," he said.
Zillur urged all Awami League workers and supporters to keep their unity intact, saying that if all remained united, then the government would be bound to set Sheikh Hasina free.
"In Thursday's dialogue, the government only said that Sheikh Hasina could operate Awami League (AL) in the elections, but didn't say that she could participate in the elections," he said about the riddle.
He was talking to journalists at his Gulshan residence when a delegation of Habiganj district Awami League came to meet him in the afternoon.
"But we will not join the polls without a free Sheikh Hasina," the acting AL chief said, while other senior leaders of his party aired doubts about her chance.
The veteran politician also asked the government to lift the state of emergency immediately for a free and fair election.
He said an election could not be credible and fair under the emergency law.
Zillur further said the general election, now set for December 18, must be held on this date, and held with Hasina in the race. "Without Sheikh Hasina no polls will be held in the country," he said on a note of warning.
"For having an election on December 18, Sheikh Hasina must be released and allowed to participate in the elections," he said.
Zillur urged all Awami League workers and supporters to keep their unity intact, saying that if all remained united, then the government would be bound to set Sheikh Hasina free.