Addressing a press conference yesterday WPB president Rashed Khan Menon said conflict of power would arise between the Gram Sarkar and the Union Parishad if the law is implemented. Polit-buro member Fazle Hossain Badsha read out a written statement at the press conference.

The WP leaders also demanded allocation from national budget for the UPs so that they could take development programmes independently.

We will go for greater movement if the law is not scrapped within two months, they said.

Terming the existing UP system as nontransparent, they said under the existing UP system, the members and chairmen are bound to serve the interest of local Member of Parliament (MP) not the people.

The WP leaders also demanded allocation to the UP according to the ratio of population and backwardness of an area. The UP has to be given more power so that they can play a role in maintaining law and order of their area, they added.

They underscored the need for increasing the amenities for the chairmen and members and enhancing power of the village court.

The WP leaders urged the chairmen and members to observe 'UP Day' on August 1.