It will be a wrong idea if anyone thinks of practising democracy in the country by excluding the two leaders [Hasina & Khaleda], the AL presidium member said referring to a feature published in The Wall Street Journal that also predicted that religious militancy will be encouraged and strengthened in the country if the two top leaders of the two major political parties are eliminated.

"The caretaker government on the one hand speaks of secularism and establishing democracy. On the other hand, it is creating such an environment that will encourage militancy in the country," Motia told journalists at the entrance of Sudha Sadan, Hasina's residence, after being barred from entering there.

The AL leader termed the restriction on visiting Hasina undemocratic and said that as per the constitution, the citizens of the country have the right to meet one another.

Two AL lawyers -- advocates Sahara Khatun and Kamrul Islam -- were however allowed by the police to enter the Sudha Sadan.

"The insinuation by the Election Commission of splitting up of the political parties will also hinder democracy and give rise to militancy," Motia said.

Motia also questioned about the authenticity of the much-talked letter that AL general secretary Abdul Jalil supposedly sent to the government.

Advocates Sahara Khatun and Kamrul Islam told journalists that they were visiting party chief Hasina to discuss legal aspects of graft cases filed against her.

They termed the graft cases against Hasina as "false, fabricated and baseless" and said they were confident about winning those 'false' cases.

The two lawyers also questioned under what authority Jalil's letter, written to the government, made its way to Jalil's family and the news media since according to the jail code, an inmate has to acquire prior government approval to send letters to anyone.

Leaders of Jubo Mohila League, a front organisation of AL for young women, yesterday celebrated its fifth anniversary at the entrance of the Sudha Sadan as the law enforcers barred them from entering residence of the AL chief.

Around 35 leaders and activists of the Jubo Mohila League cut a cake and celebrated the anniversary in a quiet manner.

TOFAIL'S REACTION
AL presidium member Tofail Ahmed expressed disappointment and surprise at Motia Chowdhury's comment comparing Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina.

"It is unfortunate that she has compared our leader Hasina with Khaleda who is responsible for the rise of militancy in the country," he told reporters. "I can't imagine Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina joining hands…I will quit politics and protest it, if it happens."