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Download PDF The Awami League (AL) yesterday launched a mass signature campaign demanding release of party chief Sheikh Hasina and warned of tougher agitation programmes if the caretaker government does not free her immediately.
“If the government thinks that it won’t release Sheikh Hasina, it will then surely commit a mistake,” acting AL President Zillur Rahman said inaugurating the campaign at the Diploma Engineers’ Institute in the capital.
The city unit of AL organised the programme that also demands putting a check on skyrocketing prices of essentials, lifting of state of emergency and holding of the national elections before others.
Several hundred party workers were present as Zillur launched the programme through signing a special notebook for signatures.
The organisers intend to collect a total of 10 lakh signatures and submit it to the chief adviser to press home the demands. They will also hold a press conference later to let the people know about it.
Zillur said that despite her critical condition, Hasina is being kept behind bars leading to further deterioration of her health. There is no alternative but to free Hasina to get rid of the prevailing crises, as she knows how to resolve these, he claimed.
AL presidium member Amir Hossain Amu said that Hasina’s release is only a matter of time if the common people could be involved with the movement to free her.
He also instructed the party leaders to form committees in every ward in Dhaka to strengthen the party’s organisational activities for movements.
The government would have to shoulder the responsibility if anything happens to Hasina given her present health condition, observed Abdur Razzak, another presidium member.
The AL leader asked the government to announce the election date right away, adding that his party is prepared to go for a mass movement if the election is delayed for any reason.
Presidium member Tofail Ahmed said fresh movements alongside the AL’s ongoing agitation programmes would be launched if the AL chief was not freed immediately.
AL presidium member Suranjit Sengupta asked the government to initiate the process of releasing Hasina and sending her abroad within a day or two.
Saying the government has snatched the power of the highest court in the country through promulgating state of emergency, he asked the government to restore democracy through holding a free, fair and credible election without wasting time further.
Suranjit also observed that a government of national consensus could be formed after the elections.
The AL leader also said the constitution does not permit release of criminals through forming Truth Commission.
Acting AL general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam said the AL would begin mass signature campaign across the country later if necessary. He asked the government to send Hasina abroad for treatment without further delay.
Chaired by city unit AL acting president MA Aziz, the programme was addressed by advocate Shahara Khatun and advocate Qamrul Islam among others.
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