The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) President Zillur Rahman yesterday categorically said that AL would never participate in the parliamentary election under the state of emergency and without Sheikh Hasina.

He made this remark while addressing the leaders and activists at a protest rally demanding unconditional release of Sheikh Hasina at the institution of Engineers in the capital.

He expressed apprehension that conspiracy was on to foil the upcoming national polls and called on the leaders and activists to be prepared for waging street movement if that happens.

About withdrawal of state of emergency he said, " If the emergency rule continues, the fundamental rights will be restricted. Where there is no right of speech, there is no opportunity to exercise franchise."

He termed the government's stand to continue the emergency rule until the national election as another trick to foil the election.

Demanding unconditional release of Sheikh Hasina, AL presidium member Amir Hossain Amu said that the demand for releasing Sheikh Hasina is not only the demand of the party but that of the nation.

He set October 30 as the last date for freeing Sheikh Hasina, now in the US on parole. "Otherwise," he threatened, "tough programmes would be declared to wrest her release."

He also criticised the government saying, "They are playing ducks and drakes with the general elections. But it will not be good for the nation, if the national election is not held on December 18."

He also opined that the criteria of a free, fair and credible election should be measured on the basis of