The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League acting president Zillur Rahman yesterday accused the government of hatching a conspiracy to keep Sheikh Hasina away from elections.

"The government may have an evil design to prevent Sheikh Hasina from taking part in the general election," Zillur said.

His remarks came when journalists at his Gulshan residence sought his reaction to BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain's comments that the government was working in such a way so that Khaleda and Hasina cannot participate in the elections.

"Our stand is very clear that Awami League won't contest the upcoming parliamentary polls without Sheikh Hasina," he said.

Awami League presidium member Abdur Razzak was with their acting chief at that time.

Zillur also charged the government with defying High Court orders regarding the proceedings of cases against Sheikh Hasina and her release on bail.

He said it is very unfortunate that the government is behaving in an undemocratic manner while dealing with the cases of Sheikh Hasina.

Zillur Rahman welcomed the fresh amendments to the Representation of People's Order Ordinance' 2008, but said the motive behind the reforms has to be made clear before everything.

Abdur Razzak alleged that the government was showing a discriminatory attitude towards Awami League and its allies.