The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Different political parties including Awami League have welcomed the release of former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Awami League (AL) Acting President Zillur Rahman yesterday welcomed the release of Khaleda Zia and subsequently demanded the unconditional release of AL chief Sheikh Hasina immediately.

Zillur was talking to the reporters at his Gulshan residence immediately after Khaleda Zia was released.

"The release of Khaleda Zia will reduce BNP's internal clash, which may leave positive impacts for the country and countrymen and it will help to restore democracy in the country," said Zilur.

Referring to the call of Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman to negotiate between major two parties' chiefs for the political development, he said that She (Hasina) would not talk with the government or any other section until she was freed unconditionally.

Moreover, Jamaat-e-Islami, one of the partners of the BNP-led four party alliance, also hailed the release of its alliance chief Khaleda Zia.

At a statement Jamaat Ameer Moulana Motiur Rahman Nizami said, "I thank Allah and congratulate BNP Chairperson Khaleda on her release. She was released through a legal process not executive order. The nation has breathed sigh of relief on her release."

He hoped that four-party alliance would lead the country torwards democracy.

Among others, Islami Oakyajote (IOJ) and Khelafat Majlish welcomed the release.

IOJ Secretary General Latifur Rhaman said his party welcomed the release, which was a pro-election step and subsequently demanded lifting of the state of the emergency and the parliamentary election first.

Khalafat Majlish Ameer Moulana Ishaq told the New Nation Reporter that now after the release the four-party alliance would be stronger under the leadership of Begum Zia.