Bangladesh News

The Awami League (AL) yesterday strongly criticised the caretaker government for its handling of issues of crime and corruption.

“The caretaker government has filed a case against Sheikh Hasina based on an incident that occurred eight years ago but it is not taking any step to run the trial of those who were behind the grenade attack on Hasina and other leaders on August 21, 2004,” AL Presidium Member Motia Chowdhury said.

Motia and AL Presidium Member Abdur Razzak yesterday

went to the residence of Swandip Babul, a victim of the August 21 grenade attack who died yesterday after prolonged suffering.

Razzak said, “Sheikh Hasina’s arrest shocked all leaders and workers. Swandip’s death is another sad incident.”

Meanwhile, AL Acting President Zillur Rahman yesterday said the arrest of the AL chief created temporary crisis in the party but it is over now. He said no reforms and council will take place keeping Hasina in jail or excluding her.

“Although a temporary crisis arose in the party after the arrest of Sheikh Hasina, it does not exist now,” he said at a press conference at his Gulshan residence.

“No one in the party is in favour of holding the council keeping Sheikh Hasina in jail,” he said, adding that the reforms will be decided by the councillors in presence of Hasina.

Asked about the party’s plan to go for a movement to free Hasina, Zillur said, “At present, we are preparing to fight the charges brought against Hasina…We will think about the movement later.”

TOFAIL OUT OF DANGER
Meanwhile, the condition of AL Presidium Member Tofail Ahmed who has been suffering from high blood pressure improved yesterday, AL sources said. Hospital sources said the AL leader is now out of danger.

Tofail was admitted to ZH Sikder Women’s Medical College and Hospital in Gulshan on Friday after he felt sick.

He is under observation at the Coronary Care Unit of the hospital