The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Awami League Acting President Zillur Rahman yesterday remarked that the Government-sponsored dialogue with the party on July 3 had become fruitless, as the Government showed reluctance on lifting of state of emergency before the polls.

Zillur said, "We were looking forward to reaching a consensus regarding some important issues relating to the national polls and state of emergency through the dialogue. But they had frustrated us by paying no heed to our demands. There were also disagreements over some other crucial issues."

The AL leader made the comments while replying to questions after a meeting with the Jubo Mohila League at his Gulshan residence.

A delegation of Jubo Mohila League met with the party's acting president to mark the day of its 6th founding anniversary.

Zillur Rahman categorically said that his party would not in any way participate in the upazila and national election under the state of emergency.

He asserted, "We decided to participate in the municipal and city corporation polls in the greater interest of establishing peace and improvement of law and order of the country. We would not participate in the upazila and national polls under the state of emergency. "

Zillur informed that the party and the Government have agreed to sit again to discuss the unresolved issues to reach an overall consensus.

Asked about the date of the next dialogue, he said, "We will finalise it soon after discussion with the Government."

Replying to a question of sharing positions for the city corporations and municipal elections among its allies, Zillur Rahman said if any party demands certain positions, the Awami League would consider it in the sprit of alliance.

AL Presidium Members Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury and Begum Matia Chowdhury, Jubo Mohila League President Nazma Akhter and General Secretary Apu Ukil, among others, were present at the function.

The leaders of the Jubo Mohila League celebrated the day by cutting cake at Zillur Rahman's residence in the morning.

Extended meet at Narshingdi

The leaders of the Bangladesh Awami Jubo League yesterday demanded the withdrawal of all the false and fabricated cases filed against the leaders and activists of the party including AL chief Sheikh Hasina.

Dr Mizanur Rahman, Acting President of Bangladesh Awami Jubo League reiterated the demand while addressing the leaders and activists at the Narshingdi district extended meeting of the party.

Dr Mizanur said, "The Caretaker Government has intentionally arrested the some honest AL leaders in the name of anti-corruption drive being influenced by a ill-motivated section. But it will not bring welfare for the nation."

He also demanded the immediate withdrawal of emergency.

Akramul Islam, President of Narshingdi district Jubo League, presided over the meeting while a number of local and central leaders spoke.