The main opposition AL, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Workers Party (WP) hinted that the antigovernment programmes, including rallies, mourning processions, human shields and rallies, would graduate into a tougher movement.

The parties at separate press briefings announced different rallies in Dhaka on September 29 and a joint public rally in Chittagong on September 9.

Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina will address the September 29 AL rally at Paltan Maidan, set to be her first public meeting after she survived an assassination attempt on August 21 on Bangabandhu Avenue where grenade attacks killed at least 19 people.

Parties in the 11-party alliance, except for the WP, did not declare the simultaneous programmes yesterday as discord surfaced in the unity of the left alliance over the declaration of one-point oust government movement with the main opposition.

Talking to The Daily Star, 11-party alliance co-ordinator Abdus Samad said the grouping's adjourned meeting is likely to be held on September 4 to iron out the political situation and 'discord'. He hoped all differences would be resolved and a united movement against the government and fundamentalist forces would be strengthened.

Leaders of Jatiya Party (Ershad), the second largest opposition party, discussed AL's appeal to join hands with the oust-government movement.

In line with fresh agitation, Awami Mahila League and other women's organisations bring out a procession from the Central Shaheed Minar this afternoon after a rally there.

"We are announcing demonstrations until September 9 as part of the oust-government movement," AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil told a press conference yesterday evening at the party's Dhanmondi office, adding fresh programmes will come after September 9.

The AL and its front organisations will form human shields across the country tomorrow, while the Mahila Awami League will say special prayers at the party's headquarters on Bangabandhu Avenue on September 3.

CPB PROGRAMMES
The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) on Monday declared a series of agitation programmes to realise its six-point demand. Processions will be held in every district with a centrepiece demonstration in Dhaka on September 4, a countrywide tour from September 10-15, demonstrations in district and upazila headquarters from September 20-25 and rallies in the capital and districts on September 29.

JP FACTIONS MEET HASINA
"Our leaders are discussing the Awami League's proposal with party chairman HM Ershad and a decision will be taken soon," said Jatiya Party presidium member GM Quader after an hourlong meeting with Hasina at the latter's Sudha Sadan. He described the meeting as a courtesy call to express sympathy for the leader.

"The country is heading towards autocracy and I feel the government should step down immediately," Quader, also younger brother of Ershad, told reporters after the meeting.

Jatiya Party (Manju) Chief Anwar Hossain Manju met the leader of the opposition at her residence yesterday evening and discussed the latest political development.