Some 118 BNP leaders Saturday demanded the release of former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina prior to March 26, report agencies.

They also demanded that Khaleda's two sons Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Coco be released. In a press briefing held at Khandaker Delwar Hossain's residence, BNP joint secretary general Selima Rahman placed the demands in a 10-point charter.

"Khaleda Zia's and Sheikh Hasina's only 'crime' has been to head the two major political parties of the country ," Selima said. "The government has detained them on charges of corruption because they did not agree to remain outside the country according to the wishes of the caretaker government."

"Khaleda Zia's two sons are awaiting death in jail. They will not escape from the country if they are released," the joint secretary general claimed. Former BNP lawmaker Md Shahjahan said: "We want Khaleda Zia and her family to be freed immediately. We hope the government will create a favourable atmosphere for elections by releasing the two leaders."

The 10-point charter of demands also included announcing a timeframe for holding national elections prior to local government elections, lifting the state of emergency, distributing essentials such as rice, pulses and flour at lower prices within people's reach, introducing food for work programmes for the rural people and introducing fair price cards for low income earners in the city.

Questioned by reporters, Md Shahjahan said: "The matter of harmony within BNP is in the hands of Saifur Rahman and Hafizuddin Ahmed. Let us see what they do."

"The grassroots workers of BNP are with Khandaker Delwar Hossain. They (Saifur and Hafiz) have to accept the reality." The party will send the chief adviser a memorandum on the release of their chairperson in a day or two, Shahjahan said.

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