Democracy has won

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said democracy has won as the by-elections to six constituencies were held in a free and fair manner.

"The elections in all the six constituencies were held in a peaceful atmosphere. Who will win or lose the election -- that was not our main concern. Our goal was to conduct free and fair elections. This by-elections prove the victory of democracy in the country," said Quader.

He made the remark while addressing the "peace rally" organised by Dhaka city (south) unit AL, protesting the BNP-Jamaat's "terror and anarchy", at the capital's Jatrabari intersection.

As BNP leaders and activists marched from the capital's Mugda to Malibagh area yesterday to press home the party's 10-point demand, which includes holding the national election under a non-partisan government, AL held its rally too.

More than 5,000 activists took part in the rally.

Addressing the rally, AL presidium member advocate Kamrul Islam alleged that BNP repeatedly deceived the people, and that is why the people don't trust them anymore.

AL's Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif said BNP's aim is to seize power by destabilising the country.