Emergency will have to be withdrawn before national poll: Hasina

Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina said there is no confusion about the holding of national election on time but emergency will have to be withdrawn before it, according to private television channel sources."We are taking preparation for registration with the Election Commission. But the state of emergency is hampering various preparatory activities of the political parties. The emergency cannot be continued for long. I am calling upon the government to withdraw emergency and establish people's rights through holding a credible and acceptable election," AL President said while addressing a discussion on human rights at House of Lords in England on Friday."To hold a free, fair, credible and acceptable parliamentary election where all people will be able to cast their vote in favour of their chosen candidates without fear and hesitation, in order to form a democratic government, emergency should be withdrawn immediately before holding of national election. On the other hand, because of the emergency we can't hold our party conference. Our political activity is restricted," AL President said. She said government will have to ensure people's fundamental and political rights. "The caretaker government will have to take steps to return people's rights in order to restore democracy in the country," Hasina added."There is no doubt about holding of parliamentary election on December 18 and the election must be held. I am calling upon all people living in country and abroad to work unitedly for ensuring holding the general election on time. And I hope the election will be held in a free, fair and credible manner and it will be accepted by all," Awami League President added.It may be pointed out that Sheikh Hasina now in London for her treatment, is likely to return home at the end of this current month. She stands accused in 15 cases. She is on bail in all the 10 cases filed during the BNP-led four-party alliance rule. Of the five cases filed after the present caretaker government took over in January last year, three are extortion cases filed by businessmen Noor Ali, Azam Chowdhury and Tajul Islam Faruq and the rest are Niko and barge-mounted power plant graft cases filed by ACC, the anti-graft body.