The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

President of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Col (Retd) Oli Ahmed said the BNP and Awami League (AL) would be held responsible if democracy could not be restored in the country, as they were threatening to boycott the general election demanding the release of top two leaders of their respective parties.

He said 15 crore people could not be held hostage for the sake of two persons.

The LDP chief was speaking at a joining ceremony of different political leaders to his party and a view exchange meeting with Ganotantrik Palli Chikitshak Dal at its head office. Regarding the Chief Election Commissio-ner's comment on holding the election before October 2008 Col Oli said, "If possible the election should be held much earlier."

He also said not only the expatriates in Britain but also in the Middle East should be given the opportunity to exercise their franchise in the next general election.

About the present caretaker government's initiative to keep the price of essentials under control he said, "You are honest, capable and efficient but not experienced."

He also thanked Army Chief General Moin U Ahmed for his unwillingness to take over state power.

Earlier, 15 leaders of BNP and its affiliates and different organisations joined LDP yesterday.

Prof Jahanara Begum, Secretary General, Barrister Ziaur Rahman Khan, Presidium Member, Abul Kashem, Chashi Enamul Haque central leaders of LDP spoke in the meeting.