AL threatens agitation if Hasina not released

Key leaders of Awami League (AL) yesterday threatened to go on a massive agitation programme if party chief Sheikh Hasina is not released immediately.
The AL leaders directed party leaders and workers at all levels to remain prepared for such a programme.
AL Presidium member Abdur Razzak warned that if Sheikh Hasina is not released then the party will be compelled to declare such a programme that will make it impossible for the caretaker government to remain in power.
Razzak was speaking at a mass hunger strike programme organised by Jubo Mohila League (JML) on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital.
The hunger strike, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, was held to protest the arrest of the AL chief and demand her unconditional release for better treatment. It was the first protest of its kind since the state of emergency has been declared in the country. And the harshest tone taken by AL since.
Presidium member Suranjit Sengupta gave the government a week's time to let the people know if they will walk the path of democracy. If not, he warned that AL would be forced to take a decision about what to do next.
AL acting president Zillur Rahman, acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, Presidium members Amir Hossain Amu, Abdur Razzak Tofail Ahmed, Suranjit Sengupta, organising secretaries Saber Hossain Chowdhury and Abdul Mannan and other top officials of the party were present at the time.
Zillur Rahman pointed out that AL had faced many problems in the country in the past but never like what they face at present. He said that only Sheikh Hasina could help lead the nation out of the present crisis.
Tofail Ahmed directed all the front organisations of the party to make all out preparations for movements in the coming days.
Other leaders echoed him and also demanded Sheikh Hasina's unconditional release for treatment. They also expressed hope for free and fair polls in the country.
The AL leaders also criticised the way the government has handled Sheikh Hasina's treatment.