Junior ministers told to talk less

Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim has censured State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku and State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam for announcing Molla's imminent hanging.

“They hold responsible posts and should not make statements that might hinder the execution of the court verdict. Their statements yesterday (Tuesday) were not right," Nasim said.

He hoped the ministers "will be cautious” in future, he told reporters after a meeting of the 14-Party alliance on Wednesday.

At a press briefing at the residence of Qamrul Islam on Tuesday, Shamsul Haque Tuku announced that Quader Molla would be executed that midnight.

The state minister for law said the prison authorities had completed all preparations to execute the death sentence.

He also said Quader Molla had been asked to seek presidential clemency, but he had not agreed to do that.

The execution was halted at the order of the Chamber Justice on Tuesday night after the prison authorities had completed all preparations.

The Appellate Division heard the 'maintainability' of Quader Molla's review petition and put on hold the execution until further notice.

The hearing was adjourned till Thursday.

Nasim, spokesperson of the 14-Party alliance, said “We have full faith in the court. The verdict will be executed.”

No solution beyond Constitution

The 14-Party welcomed the Awami League-BNP talks to end the ongoing political impasse initiated by UN Assistant Secretary General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco.

“We want a solution to the crisis. But the 14-Party will not accept any solution ouside the Constitution,” Nasim said.

He said the alliance wanted Sheikh Hasina to be the head of the poll-time government.

The Awami League Presidium member flayed the opposition BNP. “You did not respond to our call. You have sat for the dialogue at the mediation of foreigners.”

He blamed BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for the situation.

Nasim urged Khaleda Zia to dump the Jamaat-e-Islami, her key ally.

Top leaders of the warring Awami League and BNP agreed to continue talks after holding a meeting on Tuesday.

UN emissary Fernandez-Taranco was able to get the both sides to the table on Tuesday after holding talks with both the parties for the past four days in an effort to end political deadlock ahead of the polls.