The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League will proceed with its planned mass hunger strike on May 5 to press for release of detained party chief Sheikh Hasina as they yesterday got the go-ahead from the police.

Awami League acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam told reporters in the evening that the token hunger strike would be observed from 10am to 4pm at the party's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue and Dhanmondi office.

Earlier, a presidium meeting was held at Awami League acting president Zillur Rahman's Gulshan house under his chairmanship.

Ashraf said the hunger strike would be observed to press for release of Sheikh Hasina and her proper treatment abroad. The strike will be staged without violating the emergency rules.

In reply to a question, Ashraf said, "Since inception Awami League, the party has realized its demands through successful implementation of its programmes."

Asked why Awami League does not observe hunger strike with its allies, he said his party would consult the 14-party alliance for future programmes.

Asked why Awami League is not demanding BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's release, Ashraf said they have not taken any decision at party level to demand release of the leaders of other parties. Asked about army presence at the upcoming dialogue with the government, he said it is a matter of the government since army is also part of government and they would have no objection.

Presidium members Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Tofael Ahmed and Begum Matia Chowdhury were present at the meeting, held in the wake the latest development over an earlier precaution about restriction from the police administration.