No deal with grand alliance

Islami Shashantantra Andolon yesterday protested the media report that the Awami League-led grand alliance had allocated Barisal-5 parliamentary seat to the party for the forthcoming elections following an electoral understanding between them.

"We did not even have any formal meeting with the AL or grand alliance so far, let alone any electoral understanding. So the issue of seat allocation is simply out of the question," Andolon presidium member Syed Muha-mmad Fazlul Karim said at a press conference.

Fazlul Karim, who was supposed to contest the election from Barisal-5 with Andolon ticket, said, "To avoid any confusion in this regard, our party advised me not to submit nomination paper and I acted according to their suggestion."

He also categorically said, "We would not go for any understandings with any alliances by compromising on Islamic values and accepting the leadership of women."

About the electoral deal signed between Awami League and Khelafat Majlish, he said, "We welcome the move initially, but we have to wait for the outcome of the understanding."

Andolon Secretary General Muhammad Nurul Huda Fayezi and Abu Zafar Ahmadullah were also present at the press conference held at its office.