MAGURA, Mar 2: Awami League president Sheikh Hasina today expressed fear of rigging by the ruling party in the upcoming Magura 2 by election to escape a debacle like the one it suffered In the city corporation elections, reports UNB.

"Awami League will not tolerate any vote dacolty In the byelection and will give an appropriate reply If the election Is rigged." Hasina said while addressing a campaign meeting for her party candidate at Arapara High School ground this afternoon.

Presided over by Shallka thana Awami League president Tarapada Biswas, the meeting was also addressed by Khan Tipu Sultan MP. Dhirendra-nath Shambhu MP. Shah Hadiuzzaman MP and Abdul Jalil.

Party central leaders Begum Sajeda Chowdhury MP and Abdur Razzak MP were present but did not address the meeting. •

The Awami League chief told the meeting that people have become annoyed with the BNP government due to its betrayal, patronisation of terrorists. non-implementation of the joint declaration qf the three alliances and ineptitude to run the administration.

She alleged that instead of fulfilling the pledges made

during the 1991 parliamentary elections, the BNP has been patronising the terrorists to cling to power.

Hasina. also the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, said the BNP lost the right to stay In power any longer as It had totally failed to run the country and fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people.

The opposition leader referred to the allegations of corruption against 17 ministers and criticised the government for not taking any steps yet against them.

The people have no confidence in the BNP government. It is now the duty of the Awami League to free the people from the clutches of the BNP regime", she told the meeting.

Hasina urged the people to cast their votes In favour of the Awami League candidate Sha-fiquzzaman Bachchu.

On her way to Magura from Jessore. the Awami League chief addressed some Wayside gatherings at Beluabari. Taikori. Chaturbaria. Singra. Kali-tala and Simakhali.