The Awami League (AL) yesterday reiterated that it would participate in the next parliamentary election only after reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC) and removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) MA Aziz.

AL President Sheikh Hasina during a meeting with Australian High Commissioner Douglas Foskett at Sudha Sadan in the city told the envoy that they want a free and fair election and for this they are demanding reconstitution of the EC.

She also told the envoy that the previous government had appointed the CEC on political ground and a free and fair election

is not possible under his supervision.

During the meeting, the AL-led 14-party's 11-point demand and deadline for caretaker government (CG), current political situation and issues relating to international observers came up for discussion.

Briefing newsmen after the lengthy meeting, AL Presidium Member Kazi Zafarullah said, " We want a level playing field before taking part in the next election."

He said they have informed the high commissioner of their concern about the attitude of President-cum-Chief Adviser to the CG Iajuddin Ahmed.

He said it seems that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is control-

ling the CG from behind the scene.

"We have told the high commissioner that despite our repeated calls and giving times to CG to implement our demands to create a congenial atmosphere for a free and fair election, we have not seen any neutral actions by the chief adviser," Zafarullah said.

Asked about further extension of time to meet their 11-point demand following the reported requests by some foreign diplomats, he said, "our friendly countries feel that enough time has been given to the caretaker government to meet the demands."

Briefing journalists Foskett said they hope the election would be free, fair and credible.