The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Isalm yesterday said that he has no apprehension about the holding of the parliamentary election on December 18.

Talking to reporters at the Gulshan residence of AL acting president Zullur Rahman, he said crucial issues like complete withdrawal of emergency and unconditional release of Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina could be resolved through discussions with the caretaker government ahead of the polls.

He said, "We firmly believe that the elections will be held in a free and fair manner on the date already announced by the government."

He further said the Government is pledge-bound to hold the national election on December 18. The people of the country are enthusiastic to exercise their right of franchise in a fair national election. It will be the violation of promise if the government delays the national election, he added.

He demanded complete withdrawal of the emergency to pave the way for holding a free, fair and credible parliamentary election.

About the proposed Hasina-Khaleda dialogue ahead of the long-awaited national elections, Ashraf said such dialogue would not bear fruit without setting agenda before the talks.