Awami League chief Sheikh Harina Wednesday stressed on understanding between the Treasury Bench and the

Opposition for the welfare of the people and declared that her party was ready to extend allout cooperation for safe-

guarding people's interest.

She termed the passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill for switching over to parliamentary system as a victory of the people. She thanked BNP for Introducing the bill and hoped that the ruling party would also come forward to pass the Indemnity (Repeal) BIB of her party.

Addressing a big public meeting a Bangabendhu Avenue the Al, chief and Leader of the Opposition In Parliament said her party stood for parllamen tary democracy since It believe that state power was always vested with the people.

She mentioned that restoration of parliamentary system was in the election commitment of her party and it was Implemented on August 8.

She said the Implementation of an opposition party s programme was a historic event She said that it was possible since BNP accepted the reality 'Awatnl League has proved that realisation of people's rights is possible, even remaining out of power". she added. .

Sheikh Hasina expressed her gratitude to the people for the success of the movement for parliamentary democracy She said, with the passage of the 12th Amendment Bill AL had fulfilled its commitment for restoration of parllamen tary democracy.

She mentioned that Awami League'had some reservation about certain provisions pro posed in the BNP's bill. 'Yet. we cooperated to pass the bill tn the greater interest of the country and the people", she said adding that this would help lake another step forward towards establishing real democracy.

“We have initiated a new era with passage of the Amendment Bill", said the Opposition Leader pointing out that her party did never hesitate to take any step to protect the interest of the people.

As regards the Indemnity (Repeal) Bill submitted by Awami League. Sheikh Hasina said the Indemnity Ordinance (1975) was a black chapter in the Constitution of our country.

If there is rule of law tn the country and there is scope of trial for any killing, then why can't 1 seek justice for the killings of my parents?", asked Sheikh Hasina in a choked voice.

She called upon the ruling party to cooperate tn the passage of the Indemnity (Repeal) Bill and said the bill would bring an end to the politics of killings and conspiracies.

The AL chief also urged her partymen and the people to wage movement all over the country demanding trial of the killers of Bangabandhu. She announced that AL

would organise a public meeting at Panthapath in the city on August 15.

She said the Radio and the Television should play a neutral role and demanded a special programme on Bangabandhu on these media . on his death anniversary.

Sheikh Hasina declared that her party would continue struggle for economic emancipation of the people and urged the people to remain united for achieving their rights. , Pointing out to the pritc hike of essentials, she demanded implementation of the Pay Commission Report. She mentioned that the government officers and employees should also keep in mind that-they were accountable to the people and so. they should discharge their duties accord ingly.

Sheikh Hasina demanded immediate reopening of the closed educational institutions and adequate measures for ending campus violences. She protested the terrorist activities of a certain quarter in Chittagong University and alleged that the Vice-Chancellor of the University remained hostage in the hands of the terrorists.

Criticising introduction of the VAT system. Sheikh Hasina said the new system had created adverse impact on the economy. She maintained that the VAT system could be Introduced only after creating

a favourable atmosphere.

Deputy Leader • of the Opposition in the Jatlya Sangsad (Parliament) Abdus Samad Azad said the demand for parliamentary democracy was incorporated in the Joint Declaration of the three major alliances. By passing the 12th Amendment Bill that commitment to the nation was fulfilled. he said. He demanded independence of the judiciary as was stipulated in the Joint Declaration.

Awami League General Secretary Begum Sajeda Chowdhury said her party decided to fight for the parliamentary form of government in 1978. Sheikh Haslna's seven-point demand also included demand for switching over to parliamentary form, she reminded.

She called upon the ruling BNP to cooperate with Awami League in passing the Indemnity (Repeal) Bill. She mentioned that the killers of Bangabandhu claimed that laic President Zia provided them with the blueprint for the killing. "If BNP docs not cooperate with Awami League in repealing the Indemnity Ordinance, then the claim of the killers would prove true." she said.

She demanded of the Government to declare August 15 as the national mourning day

In a resolution adopted in the meeting the party vowed to organise a vigorous mass movement if any conspiracy was hatched to keep the Indemnity Ordinance in force.

The meeting also demanded steps to improve the law and order situation. It said Awatni League would launch a movement against the VAT system if it was not withdrawn by August 20. *

The meeting condemned the nomination of mayors of four city corporations and demanded election of the mayor and commissioners of Dhaka City Corporation.

The meeting also demanded cancellation of the voters list prepared during the Ershad regime and preparing a new voters list.

Presided over by city AL president Mujaffar Hussain Paltu. the meeting was also addressed by party's central leader Salauddln Yusuf. Abdul Jalil. Amir Hussain Amu and others.