The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Jammat-e-Islami Bangladesh yesterday said it would not participate in the government sponsored ongoing political dialogue without the release of BNP Chariperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Ameer of Jammat Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami from detention.

The leaders of Jammat also demanded of the Government for lifting the state of emergency and holding parliamentary polls by October next.

"We want unconditional release of all detained political leaders including Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and withdrawl of all cases including those related to Gatco and Boropukuria Coal," said Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, Secretary General of the party at a press briefing held at its Moghbazar office.

Criticising the Government and the Election Commission (EC) for not holding election within 90 days of assuming power, he said the Government and the EC have taken so many issues, which have delayed the election.

"We hope good sense will prevail on the Government and they will release political detainees for the betterment of the nation," he added.

He also called upon the Government not to take any steps relating to constitutional amendments.

Replying to a question on recent statement of BNP Secretary General Kondokar Delwar Hossain for unity among political parties, he termed it 'liberal democratic gesture'.

Condemning the blanket arrest across the country, he said in the name of curbing terrorism the Government has unleashed repression on political activists.

The Government must stop harassment on political leaders and activists, he noted.

The Jammat would continue its mass signature campaign till 15 June across the country and form human chain at all metropolitan cities and district to drum up support for their five-point demand.

Moqbal Ahemd, Nayebe Ameer, Maulana Delwar Hossain Saydee, member of Central Executive Committee, Abdul Kader Moll, Assistant Secretary General, ATM Azharul Islam and Prof Tasnim Alam, among others, attended the press briefing.