The New Nation - Internet Edition

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina exchanging
greetings with the party's senior leader Zillur Rahman by
presenting a bouquet at his Ivy Concord residence at Gulshan
in the city on Sunday. FocusBangla

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) president Sheikh Hasina yesterday visited AL presidium member Zillur Rahman at his Gulshan residence to express gratitude and respect to him for running the party efficiently during the post-January 11, 2007 political crisis.

Sheikh Hasina, accompanied by her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, carried flowers and sweets for veteran AL leader Zillur Rahman while Zillur's daughter Moina greeted them in the lobby outside their apartment at Ivy Concord.

Talking to reporters Hasina's Private Secretary Dr. Awlad said, "It was simply Sheikh Hasina's personal visit to Zillur Rahman and his family. There was no discussion on political issues during the meeting," he added.

Soon after the meeting with Zillur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina was asked by the waiting reporters about the size of her cabinet and the persons to be inducted into it. Then Hasina said, "I will not tell you anything now. It will be a surprise for all."

Earlier on Saturday, the AL parliamentary party meeting elected Hasina leader of the parliament and Zillur Rahman, her deputy.

Hasina said in a post-meeting press briefing, "Though elected a deputy leader in the parliament, Zillur Rahman will be elected president when the time is ripe."