The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Awami League yesterday backtracked from its demand for holding general elections in June-July that it made the day before (Thursday).

The Awami League (AL) Presidium, the highest policymaking body of the party, at a meeting on Thursday demanded early polls jettisoning the roadmap, which outlined holding of the general elections within December this year. In a sudden turn-around yesterday, senior leaders of the AL, including its Acting President Zillur Rahman, extended support to the Election Commission's roadmap for the general national elections.

Zillur Rahman also hinted that his party would support if the Government decides to send detained AL Chief Sheikh Hasina abroad for treatment.

Reiterating their demand to the Caretaker Government to open dialogue with the political parties to resolve the staggering political crisis, the AL leaders demanded immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Hasina.

They said this while addressing a discussion meeting organised by its students front-Chhatra League at the party's Dhanamondi office. The meeting was held marking the 60th founding anniversary of Chhatra League with its President Mahmud Hasan Ripon in the chair.

Taking part at the discussion meeting as Chief Guest of the ceremony, AL Acting President Zillur Rahman said AL was not against this Government and supports the election roadmap announced by the Election Commission (EC).

He said the country was now passing through a transition and called upon the Caretaker Government to hold the elections at the earliest possible time and hand over power to an elected government.

Demanding the release of detained party chief Sheikh Hasina, Zillur said she should be treated as per her doctor's advice-be it at home or abroad.

Speaking on the occasion, AL Presidium member Abdur Razzak urged all to remain alert and get united against those who want to divide the country by promoting militancy.

Presidium member Tofail Ahmed said they supported the 1/11 changeover but the present situation of the country was not expected after the changeover. "Had the present Government been efficient in handling problems people would not have to see the present crisis," he said.

Tofail urged the Government to sit with the political parties to solve the present crisis and implement the EC-announced electoral roadmap.

He also urged the Government to take pragmatic steps to hold the elections as soon as possible.

AL leaders, including Presidium member Suranjit Sengupta, Acting Genera Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, Abdul Mannan, Abdur Rahman, Dr Hasan Mahamud and Dr Dipu Moni spoke at the programme.