Acting Awami League President Zillur Rahman yesterday demanded that the government hold the stalled parliamentary polls in October or November.
He asked the government to declare a specific date for the general elections and lift the state of emergency fully before the polls.
The acting AL chief categorically said no other elections before the national polls will be acceptable.
“The government is claiming it has completed all preparations for holding the parliamentary polls. Then, what is their problem in holding the polls in October or November?” Zillur questioned.
He was addressing a discussion meeting making the 33rd death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the premises of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city.
Organised By Jubo Mahila League, the meeting was addressed, among others, by presidium members Amir Hossain Amu, Suranjit Sengupta and Motia Chowdhury, AL's Women Affairs Secretary Dr Dipu Moni and Juba Mahila League General Secretary Apu Ukil. Mahila AL President, Nazma Akhter presided.
Amir Hossain Amu reiterated his suggestion for organising the parliamentary polls in the third week of October. He demanded permanent release of party president Sheikh Hasina.
Suranjit Sengupta alleged that the government is reluctant to withdraw the emergency as it does not want to hold the parliamentary polls in a free, fair manner.
Sengupta also said if the government does not sit across the table with the AL, “the people will think that the government is involved in conspiracy against the long-awaited parliamentary elections”.
He was also critical of the government for brining amendment to the Representation of People Order Act 1972.