The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Issues relating to unconditional release of detained party chief Sheikh Hasina will be the main agenda of Awami League during the proposed formal dialogue with the caretaker government, said acting AL president Zillur Rahman.

"First, we'll raise the issue of Sheikh Hasina's release during the dialogue with the caretaker government as it is our main agenda. Dialogue is only for a free and fair election, and without

Hasina's presence fair election is not possible," Zillur said when leaders of Motor Chalok League met him at his Gulshan yesterday.

He alleged that conspiracy is being hatched to hold parliamentary election keeping Hasina behind the bar and said election could not be possible in this land without her presence.

Zillur cautioned that Awami League would resist any attempt to hold parliamentary elections without Hasina.

Replying to a query, he said they hope that the Chief Adviser would raise the issue of Hasina's release in his address to the nation.

"It'll be a bit of achievement for us if ban on indoor politics goes after the Chief Adviser's address. But what we want is complete withdrawal of the state of emergency ahead of the parliamentary polls, as no credible election is possible under the Emergency Power Rule," he said.

Zillur requested the party leaders, workers and supporters to remain united saying that unity is essential at this critical juncture of the country.

AL leaders Dr Hasan Mahmud and Adv Quamrul Islam, Motor Chalok League president Ali Hossain and general secretary Alauddin Rana were, among others, present.