The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff reporter

Awami League (AL) acting president Zillur Rahman yesterday demanded immediate withdrawal of the state of emergency terming it unnecessary.

He reiterated the demand while addressing an extended meeting of Awami Ainjibi Parishad at the Supreme Court Bar auditorium. He warned that AL would not only boycott the polls but also resist the participation of other political parties if any poll is held under the state of emergency.

Zillur also called for holding the national elections ahead of the Upazila polls.

The veteran AL leader expressed his deep concern over soaring prices of daily essentials.

He blamed the government for the sufferings of the people saying that a silent famine is prevailing over the country.

He accused the government of harassing the politicians by the law enforcement agencies as said, "The law enforcers are doing nothing except arresting political leaders and filing cases against them.

Zillur renewed his demand for unconditional release of Sheikh Hasina and lifting of all cases against her.

Some 500 representatives from different district bars participated in the extended meeting and they urged Zillur to nominate the lawyers for the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

Syed Rezaur Rahman, M Enayetur Rahim, Nurul Islam Sujon, Abdullah Abu, Momtaz Uddin Mehadi, among other senior lawyers, were present. AL central Law Secretary Shahara Khatun presided over the meeting.