The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Leaders of different political parties called for unity among all nationalist forces, who believe in religious values to develop the country and to fill the vacuum created in political leadership in the country.

They urged the government to make the elections free from black money and evil forces. They hoped that the Caretaker Government would hold a free and election as per the election roadmap.

They were addressing a discussion on "the Present Political Situation and Implementation of the Election Roadmap" organised by Shaukat Hossain Nilu-led National Peoples' Party (NPP) at the National Press Club Auditorium yesterday.

Jatiya Party leader Begum Raushan Ershad, Shafiul Alam Prodhan, President of Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (Jagpa), Jamaat leader M Kamaruzzaman, BNP leader Maj (Retd) Akhtaruzzaman, NNP leader Khalequzzaman Khan Dudu and Fariduzzaman Forhad, former Minister Syeda Razia Faiz, Islami Okyajote leader Moulana Mohiuddin Khan and leader of Islami Shashantantra Andolan ATM Hamayet Uddin, among others, addressed the discussion.

The leaders also demanded resignation of food adviser Tapan Chowdhury for his recent irresponsible comment on price hike of rice.

Begum Raushan Ershad demanded of the Government to bring the price hike of essential commodities under control.

She said corruption could not be removed from society by the anti-corruption campaign for one or two years, as the campaign must go on for a long time.

Jagpa President Shafiul Alam Prodhan said Bangladesh is now facing a dangerous conspiry. All should be aware about the plot.

Jamaat leader Kamaruzzaman said Bangladeshi people would never allow anything without the election.

Kamaruzzaman said the Caretaker Government had to handover the power to the political leaders elected by the people soon to overcome the present crisis.

Jamaat leader said the government with the help of all quarters should overcome the existing food crisis in the country.

BNP leader Aktharuzzaman demanded the release of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Shawkat Hossain Nilu said Food Adviser Tapan Chowdhury should resign, as he failed to control rice prices. The prices of rice had jumped from Tk 15 to 16 per Kg, said Nilu.

Nilu also said Bangladesh could import rice at cheap rates from Vietnam, Myanmar and Pakistan.