AL refutes charge, 2 of its men held

"Through such propaganda the government is trying to shift people's attention from their misrule and misdeeds," said General Secretary of the AL Abdul Jalil in a statement yesterday.

He also criticised the ruling coalition for 'firing invective' at AL President Sheikh Hasina.

The AL statement also accused the government of undermining Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other national leaders since coming to office.

Meanwhile, UNB reports, police arrested two AL leaders of Chapaina-wabganj in the early hours yesterday in connection with the removal of the portrait of the prime minister.

Joint Secretary of district Sramik League Shahjalal Shaheen and General Secretary of Rickshaw Samabaya Samity Shukuruddin were taken into custody with regard to a case filed against seven people.

They were accused of pulling down the prime minister's portrait during the visit of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Monday.