The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Former Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina yesterday expressed her doubts about holding of the long-awaited national elections on time.

Mahbubul Hoque Shakil, deputy press secretary of Sheikh Hasina, disclosed this to reporters after a meeting between Sheikh Hasina and Jubo League leaders at her Sudha Sadan residence in Dhanmondi.

"Our leader said conspiracy is going on to foil the national elections scheduled on December 18.She asked the party leaders to keep calm and be patient. Time will say what to do," he said.

A Jubo League delegation, led by its president Jahangir Kabir Nanak and general secretary Mirza Azam, met the with Sheikh Hasina to mark the 36th founding anniversary of the organisation.

Sheikh Hasina appreciated the performance of Jubo League during the party's crucial moments to overcome party crises, Shakil said.

He said Sheikh Hasina also announced to provide jobs for all the unemployed youth, if AL voted to power. Quoting Sheikh Hasina Shakil said, "We hope the youth will come forward to improve the country's image by their hard work."

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Stephen Evans yesterday met with Sheikh Hasina at her Sudha Sadan residence for the first time.

After the two-hour long bilateral meeting Evans said they talked about the upcoming parliamentary elections and other political and economic issues.

"We have reached a consensus that a transparent and neutral parliamentary election is a must to restore democracy in the country. The election should be held on December 18," Evans said.

Asked to comment about the threat of BNP to boycott the national election, he said, "BNP itself deserves the right to take the decision. But we hope that all parties will participate in the elections and the party should make out a way for its participation."

About BNP's allegation of the absence of level playing field for a fair election, Evans said he thinks this is a matter of the caretaker government to discuss with all political parties.

"I think all the political parties should have equal rights to participate and conduct campaign for the elections," he added.

After meeting with the British envoy, Sheikh Hasina's assistant secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud said, " Sheikh Hasina believes that the national elections should be held in free, fair and credible manner with the participation of all the political parties."

"She emphasised on politics of commitment abandoning politics of confrontation," she said.

After returning to the country, Hasina met with several diplomats including the American ambassador on November 7, envoy of Saudi Arabia on November 8, diplomats of eight Muslim countries on November 9 and the Indian High Commissioner on November 10.