The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League president Sheikh Hasina has urged all political parties for full cooperation to ensure a free and fair election on December 18.

Awami League also termed the four-party alliance's demand for deferring the polls as "immoral" as it earlier had welcomed the election date of December 18 when it was declared by the Election Commission.

"Sheikh Hasina has urged all political parties to give their full cooperation to arrange the December 18 polls in a fee and fair manner," said Hasina's special aide Dr Hasan Mahmud.

Dr Mahmud was briefing journalists after an hour-long meeting between Sheikh Hasina and Australian High Commissioner in Dhaka Douglas Foskett at her Sudhasadan residence Wednesday morning.

Awami League wants the December 18 polls be held in time, Dr Mahmud said, adding: "We want the elections to be held on December 18 for the restoration of country's democracy."

He said the Australian High Commissioner also expressed the hope that the elections would be held on December 18 and Bangladesh would get its democracy back.

Sheikh Hasina has urged the Australian envoy to come up with more investment in Bangladesh and taking more Bangladeshi workers and students in his country, the special aide said.

Earlier, talking to reporters Australian High Commissioner Douglas Foskett said he thinks all preparations for holding the elections in time are in place and Bangladesh will get free and fair elections.