The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Awami League Acting president Zillur Rahman yesterday expressed his determination to refrain from participating in any polls if it is held under the state of emergency.

He vowed to boycott polls under emergency while addressing the party leaders and activists who attended a six-hour long token hunger strike programme at the party's Dhanmondi office.

The party observed the programme from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm protesting soaring price of essentials and demanding unconditional release of party chief Sheikh Hasina.

Zillur said, "All the political parties have been demanding the withdrawal of emergency for the sake of restoration of democracy in the country. But the Government did not pay heed to the demand.

He warned that AL would neither participate nor let any party participate in any election under the emergency rule, as no poll is possible under the emergency.

He termed the Government's move to arrange upazila elections before national elections as a conspiracy.

He also demanded the withdrawal of all the false and fabricated cases lodged against party leaders and activists across the country.

Zillur noted that a silent famine was grasping the country following intolerable price hike of the essentials.

AL presidium member Amir Hossain Amu said, "We are observing hunger strike programme to express solidarity with the masses who are starving due to the price hike."

He warned the Government that the people would compel the Government to release Sheikh Hasina unconditionally, if they do not do so in a peaceful manner.

Expressing solidarity with Zillur Rahman he said AL would not accept any poll under the state of emergency.

Another Presidium Member of AL Tofail Ahmed said, "An nonelected government should not stay in power for a long time. They have proved their incompetence through their activities."

Blaming the Government for the miseries of the people he said that the Government must take necessary steps to control price hike, which has become an issue of much concern to the people.

Tofail also pointed out that the people of the country would not accept any unnecessary amendment to the Representation of People Order Act (RPO) -1972 by a nonelected government.

AL presidium member Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury and Matia Chowdhury, among others, were present. At the same time the City Awami League and other front organisations observed the token hunger strike programme at the party's Bangabandhu Avenue central office.