A total of 102 former Awarni League (AL) lawmakers yesterday demanded release of the detained party president and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina before the Eid-ul-Fitr.

"There are many jurisdictions in the hand of the government and they (the government) can release her if they wish," Abdul Hamid, deputy leader of the opposition in the last parliament, said at a press conference organised on behalf of the former lawmakers at his NAM Flat in the capital.

He hoped the government would release Hasina before Eid. The 15-crore people would be

SEE PAGE 15 COL 2 FROM PAG E 16 happy if he government does so, said the A .leader.

Forner AL lawmaker Shahajalian Khan. Raziuddin Ahmed Fazu and Atiur Rahman Atik were present at the press conference.

Hamit, also a former Speaker, said Has! la would help the caretaker govi rnment in implementing the Election Commission-announc d roadmap to hold the next elect ons.

The gc vemment's desire to hold the elect ons in a free and fair manner I as come under question with the arrest of Hasina in false charges, re said adding that it is possible o withdraw the cases if thegover intent wants.

Hamit said the entire nation were sur irised and shocked with the arres: of Hasina on false and fabricate 1 cases filed by a few conspira ors.

The A . leader said he does not support he idea of former president Pi of AQM Badruddoza Chowdhi ry to form a "government of nation il consensus" for the next ten years

He said there are some good sides, in Badnuldozals iproposals., "But if th Ire is no opposition in the parliamc nt, it might turn into an autocrat cone." felttheALleader.

He observed that presence of an oppositi in is a must in the parliament to iriticise the government's mistake: and wrongdoings.

AL acting President Zillur Rahmar , presidium members Abdur Ri zzak.Tofail Ahmed, Motia Chowd tury, acting General Secretaty Syed Ashraful Islam, Akhtaru zaman, Bir Bahadur, Vice Principa Abdus Shahid, col (retd) Faruk KI lan, Abdul Latif Siddiqui, Dr Abdur Razzak, Abdul Hai, Dewan Farid Gazi, Panchanan Biswas,; nd AKM Jahangir Hossain, among ithers, signed the statement de nandingHasina's release.