DHAKA, 19 March 2008 — In an unprecedented move, some 700 journalists issued a joint statement yesterday demanding release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia by March 26. They also demanded that other political prisoners be freed before Independence Day. Bangladesh celebrates Independence Day on March 26.
“We are urging the caretaker government to release Khaleda Zia immediately,” the journalists said in the statement.
“Khaleda has been granted bail by the High Court. She should be released immediately,” they said adding that all political prisoners should also be freed.
Asking the government to lift the state of emergency, they said, “We call upon the government to rescind all irrational, unnecessary and questionable laws under the emergency power rules prior to lifting the state of emergency.”
