Bangla Prez says Election must be held on Jan 22 despite protests

Dhaka, Jan 6 (UNI) Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed today reaffirmed the parliamentary elections would be held on January 22 to meet the constitutional obligation despite the main opposition alliance's boycott of the polls.

The main opposition alliance led by Awami League President Sheikh Hasina boycotted the election on the ground that President Ahmed's interim administration and the election commission are biased for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's alliance and trying to instal Mr Zia in power through "election engineering." President Ahmed who is also the Chief Advisor of the interim caretaker administration said, ''I am committed to hand over power to an elected government through holding an election in time for the sake of keeping my pledge, I seek cooperation from all to protect the constitution.'' The President's statement came on the eve of Sheikh Hasina's grand alliance enforcing two-day road blockade programme across the country from January 7 to press for resignation of President Ahmed from the interim administration's chief and for fresh election schedule after preparing a flawless voter list.

''Nobody can impede the constitutional provision for holding the general elections within 90 days of dissolution of the Parliament,'' he said.

The President said the Election Commission has already completed all preparations for holding the election on January 22. ''My government has ordered the law enforcers to take stern measures so that no quarter could deteriorate the law and order in a planned manner to thwart the upcoming elections,'' Mr Ahmed said.

The steps have been taken for the voters who would chose their candidates by casting votes without any fear in a festive mood, he said adding that the government firmly believes that the January 22 election to Parliament would be held in a free, fair and impartial manner.

However, Ms Hasina asked the people to boycott the polls and not to turn up to the polling stations on January 22. ''Resist the vote thieves...Restore your voting rights through movement,'' Ms Hasina said.

Meanwhile, the government has asked the law enforcers including army and paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles to show "zero tolerance" to those who will disrupt the peace in public life and normal economic activities through blockade programme.

Around 12,000 policemen will be gaurding the streets in capital Dhaka from tomorrow morning to maintain peace during the opposition blockade. Army will also patrol the streets in Dhaka and major cities and towns from tomorrow.

UNI