Awami League united on Sheikh Hasina

Ajoy Roy

AL is united as ever

It appears that Awami League, perhaps in view of the country wide moderate protests from the grass roots level, possible under the emergency prevailing in the country, is united on the issue of Sheikhï¿½s illogical, if not illegal, arrest. The reformists have shelved their current activities of reformation in the party. Agni Kanya Matia Choudhury, a member of AL presidium, immediately after the arrest o Hasina reacted very sharply accusing the reformists group in AL for the arrest of AL chief. She contended that the Government took the advantage of apparent disunity among the top AL leaders. She further said that Government is out to eliminate AL from BD political field as it considers AL as the main obstacle to their design. On the other hand spokesman of the reformists criticized Begum Choudhury for her pointed remarks urging every one not to give any statements that might jeopardize the party.

Today Mr. Jillur Rahman, who has immediately taken over the office of AL president, as acting chairman according to AL party constitution, categorically said that AL is united on the issue of Sheikh Hasina. The declaration came after the top AL leaders including Tofael Ahmed, Mr. Abdur Razzak, two freedom fighters who played key roles in the 69-movement and non-cooperation movement that followed after President Yahya Khna 1^st March announcement postponing meeting of National assembly in Dhaka met the acting president. It appears that reformists have shelved the reformation activities at least for the time being. Jillur Rahmanï¿½s main points are as disclosed to the press:

Awami League being a Democratic Party there would always be difference of opinions on many national and international issues, but at the time of crisis the Party has always faced it united. So the ALï¿½s main concern is at this moment to stand behind its Chief Sheikh Hasina and seek her release.
Mr. Rahman said that there would be no activities regarding reformation inside the party till AL chief is released.
The governmentï¿½s action transferring the case against Hasina under emergency rules is not legal, observed Mr. Rahman. The so called case of extortion of money had taken place, if at all true, eight years back, and emergency rule has been introduced just recently. So no one can be tried for an offence under the law, which was, or existent then.
On this issue, the AL legal experts will challenge it at the HC division. The AL has constituted a legal aid team from among the senior lawyers.
The AL will also move a bail petition at the judge court challenging the decision of the lower court given on 16^th July by DMC.
The acting chairman appealed to the countrymen to keep calm and united. He also demanded punishment of those members of the disciplinary forces who maltreated and misbehaved with the AL chief as if she is a thief or a murderer.

Protest continues throughout the country

Modest protest under emergency situation continued in many parts of the country including Sunamganj, Shylhet, Gopalganj, Rangpur .. . In many places shops were found closed and strikes were observed in many educational institutions. On the other hand police is taking stern actions against the protester including arrests of local AL leaders and workers.

Dhaka University Teachers Association came out openly today to stand behind the captive Sheikh Hasina. They demanded immediately release of the once opposition leader and the chief of AL terming the action of the army directed CTG of Mr. Fakhruddin Ahmed as politically motivated with the ill intention of elimination of the largest people based democratic political party. In a meeting of the Association decisions declare that present activities of the government it seems are not directed to hold election, nor to punish the known and captive corrupted politicians, businessmen, bureaucrats (civil and military), miscreant and anti socials. The meeting also asked the government not to harass and threaten top political leaders including BNP chief unnecessary. The meeting urged upon the President to withdraw the emergency to restore the freedom, liberty of each and every citizen of the country. The DU teachers further said that governmentï¿½s recent activities pointed that it has an agenda to put a government of their choice that would be almost pseudo military in nature under the shadow umbrella of the Security Council. The resolutions also reminded the government if their demands were not, DUTA would float further programme of action befitting to its past tradition.

DUTA also demanded the removal of Barrister Moinul Islam from adviser as he has lost his neutrality, the prerequisite of an adviser.

Prof. Ajoy K. Roy--a reputed scientist and human rights activist from Bangladesh--is the member of Mukto-Mona advisory board. He writes from Dhaka.