Siege withdrawn, life starts returning to normal in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's main opposition combine led by Awami League president Sheikh Hasina withdrew countrywide siege from Monday after holding talks with President and Chief Advisor of caretaker government Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed.

Sheikh Hasina had more than one-hour meeting with the President at Bangabhaban (President House) and put forward some demands that include removal of Chief Election Commissioner Justice MA Aziz and Attorney General Mohammad Ali and restructuring the administration for holding free and fair general elections scheduled in January next year.

Awami League general secretary Abdul Jalil said new agitation would be announced on Nov. 3 if President Ahmed's caretaker government fails to meet their demands and act neutrally.

The indefinite siege was imposed on Oct. 28 to press for appointment of a neutral Chief Advisor (interim prime minister) of caretaker government. But former prime minister Khaleda Zia's 4- party alliance and former opposition leader Sheikh Hasina's 14- party combine could not reach consensus on selecting an acceptable person for the office of the Chief Advisor. As a result the president had to assume additional responsibility of the caretaker government Sunday.

The President is likely to appoint 10 Advisors of his caretaker administration Tuesday to supervise the general elections. He sought names from major political parties for appointing Advisors.

During the 3-day siege, at least 24 people were killed and several thousands wounded in violent clashes between supporters of Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. Capital Dhaka was completely cut off from the rest of the country during the agitation.

The normal life and economic activities that were completely battered during the siege started returning to normal from Monday afternoon with vehicles slowly coming to streets and shops opening.

Source: Xinhua