Govt afraid of fair polls

Amid unprecedented security measurers taken by law enforcement agencies, the road march began from Shaheb Bazar Zero point and passed through C&B Crossing, Laxmipur, Bornali, Gourhanga Crossing and Kalpana Cinema Crossings in the evening.

The marchers waved banners, festoons and placards demanding the reforms and seeking votes for 14-party candidates when a fair and peaceful elections would be ensured.

They also raised voice against price spirals, corruption of ruling party lawmakers, terrorism and militancy, crises of water, gas and electricity, and extra-judicial killings.

Several thousand people also walked down spontaneously to join the march while a number of curious people stood on both sides of the road to welcome the marchers.

The main streets of the city were virtually sealed off during the march which ended at the Zero point again.

Prior to the road march, a rally was addressed by AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil, Motia Chowdhury, Muhammad Nasim, Hasanul Haque Inu, Sardar Amjad, Bimal Biswas, Pankaj Bhattacharya, Akhtaruzzaman, Omar Faruk Chowdhury and Tajul Islam Md Faruk.

Rajshahi city Al President Maksudul Haq Dulu chaired the rally.

The speakers reiterated the demands for proposed reforms in electoral process and immediate resignation of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and two other election commissioners, and said there will be no election without the reforms.

They said the BNP-Jamaat coalition has been conspiring not to hold fair elections apprehending a 'sure defeat' due to their widespread corruption and repression.

Jalil said the ruling alliance is afraid of fair polls and that's why they do not want reforms.

He asked people to resist moves for holding an unfair election calling the CEC and two other election commissioners as 'party agents.'

Hasanul Haque Inu warned people of conspiracy of the ruling alliance for 'renewing license for corruption and oppression for another term.'

Motia Chowdhury blamed Jamaat-Shibir and ruling BNP lawmakers for patronising militancy in the country.

"Anti-liberation forces are active to jeopardise the country's sovereignty," she added.

Md Nasim demanded justice for the involvement of ministers and lawmakers in militancy.

"The government is playing double role rearing the death- sentenced militants with special care."