AL demands JS election in November
Awami League yesterday demanded the government hold the parliamentary polls in November.
The party also demanded immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Hasina, saying that it would not participate in the stalled national election without her.
“The long-awaited parliamentary polls must be arranged in November, as the Election Commission's preparation is going to be completed by this time. Awami League Working Committee (ALWC) has taken a decision that the party will take part in the parliamentary polls only under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina,” AL acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam told reporters at the party's Dhanmondi office after two days' meeting of the ALWC.
Briefing newsmen, Ashraful said all the cases against Sheikh Hasina will have to be withdrawn before the elections.
He said the ALWC thought that the parliamentary polls would not be acceptable to the people as well as the international community under the state of emergency. “So, we ask the government to fully lift the state of emergency before the election,” Ashraful said.
As per the constitution and the roadmap, he said, the government and the Election Commission are bound to hold the national election first. “No election before the national election will be acceptable,” he said.
Asked about the Election Commission's performance ahead of the national elections, he said, “The Election Commission's recent activities are making the country's people confused about the general election.”
The AL acting general secretary also demanded immediate release of all AL leaders and withdrawal of the cases filed against them, including its General Secretary Abdul Jalil, presidium member Tofail Ahmed and Sheikh Selim.
Ashraful also demanded the government take immediate steps to keep the prices of essentials within the buying capacity of the common people and smooth electricity supply during Ramadan.
He said they will form a human chain soon to press for the party's demands.
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