Hasina-led alliance ready to face polls

Dhaka, Dec 23 (UNI) Bangladesh's Awami League general-secretary Abdul Jalil said the 14-party alliance led by its president Sheikh Hasina was prepared for the January 22 elections.

Replying to a question whether it was possible to hold an election in the remaining time of the stipulated 90-day period, he said, ''Everything is possible.'' Mr Jalil, also the coordinator of the 14-party combine that has led a protracted movement for electoral reforms and lately for deferment of the polls, made the remark after a meeting of the Awami League presidium with party chief Sheikh Hasina.

On the question of whether it was possible for them to submit their nomination papers by tomorrow, he said, ''Wait and see.'' The general sectretary said the presidium meeting discussed preparation for the election and overall political situation.

''The Chief Advisor is the root of all problems. He is creating problems by violating the Constitution,'' he said, renewing their allegation.

Meanwhile, political sources said Awami League was ready to give up 80 out of 300 seats for its allies, including 41 for Jatiya Party of former President HM Ershad as they are planning to contest the coming polls unitedly against former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's four-party alliance.

Awami League and its allies' decision whether or not to take part in the elections will be clear on submitting their candidates' nomination papers tomorrow.

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