AL demands removal of Altaf, Patal

They also demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the killers and the 'mastermind' behind the murder of the vice-president of Natore district unit of the AL on Friday.

The main opposition party leaders were addressing a rally at the Bangabandhu Avenue, organised by the city AL to protest the killing of the former lawmaker.

They alleged that Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury had ordered withdrawal of murder cases against some BNP-backed criminals on the suggestion of State Minister Fazlur Rahman Patal. The elements killed Mamtaz Uddin within a week of being exempted from the cases, they added.

So, both the ministers have to bear responsibility for the killing, the opposition leaders said.

Abdus Samad Azad said the killers of Mamtaz Uddin must be brought to justice.

Syeda Sazeda Chowdhury alleged that the alliance rulers have given arms to party hoodlums to kill AL leaders and activists. They also killed two law enforcers recently, she mentioned.

Abdur Razzak said this government has withdrawn 9,000 cases and released 53,000 accused criminals so far to eliminate Awami League in a planned way.

AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil reiterated his party's demands that the alliance government quit power immediately to pave the way for mid-term polls.

He said the party would take up tough programmes shortly to resist killing of its leaders and workers and repression on them by the present rulers.

Chaired by city AL President Mohammad Hanif, the rally was also addressed by Matia Chowdhury, Mohammad Nasim, Mukul Bose, Abdul Mannan, Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin and Ahsanullah Master,MP.

The AL will stage demonstrations in the city today to press the demands made at the rally.