The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Senior leaders of the Awami League yesterday warned that they would launch greater movement demanding immediate release of their detained party chief Sheikh Hasina.

Addressing a signature campaign programme at Bangabandhu Avenue in the city they called upon the party leaders and activists to turn the demand for the release of the former premier into an international issue.

The AL leaders warned if the Government delayed the release of Sheikh Hasina the movement would be turned into a mass upsurge.

Referring to the remark of the Adviser for Home Affairs that the caretaker government is not thinking of sending two detained leaders Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia abroad for their treatment at this moment, the AL leaders said dialogue with the government would be meaningless if the remark is true.

Organised by Jubo League, a front organisation of the AL, the signature campaign programme was inaugurated by party senior presidium member Amir Hossain Amu. Among others, the function was also addressed, by AL leaders Abdur Razzak, Tofail Ahmed, Suranjit Sengupta and Motia Chowdhury.

Amir Hossain Amu called upon partymen to turn the demand for release of party chief into an international issue.

He alleged that the Government is not taking proper action against the leaders of four-party coalition who is responsible for the 1/11 changeover but it is pressing false charges against the AL chief to keep her behind bar.

Demanding unconditional release of the detained leader, Abdur Razzak said the people would no longer wait for her release.

"It will be good both for the nation and the caretaker government if immediate steps are taken to send our ailing party president abroad for treatment," he observed.

Abdur Razzak said the country is affected by open famine and people are starving, but the Government is sitting idle.

Tofail Ahmed said the programme for release of Sheikh Hasina is being kept indoor for now but they will broaden outdoor if the government does not release her soon.

Suranjit Sengupta urged the government to clear its stand on sending Sheikh Hasina abroad for better treatment.

Presided over by Jubo League presidium member Dr Mizanur Rahman the inaugural programme was also addressed by AL leaders Abdul Mannan and Adv Qmarul Islam and Jubo League leaders Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, Faruq Hossain, Abdus Sattar Masud, Ataur Rahman Ata and Mohiuddin Mahi.