The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Expelled BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan yesterday brought Khaleda Zia's portrait back to decorate his drawing room, sending a signal that there is progress in the rapprochement move between the two factions of the party.

He had put-off the BNP Chairperson's portrait from his room immediately before launching his proposal for reform of the party with a view to free the BNP from the influence of dynastic control of Begum Zia's family and corrupt elements as well as democratise the party.

The BNP became virtually divided into two following the announcement of the reform proposals, as Begum Zia opposed it terming it as an "anti-party and unconstitutional move" by her Secretary General.

Begum Zia removed Mannan Bhuiyan from the post of Secretary General and appointed Khandaker Delwar Hossain to the post on September 3 immediately before her arrest

The reformist group of the BNP initiated a reunification move following the disclosure of a new list of 80 corrupt suspects, as the list included names of a number of the group's leaders.

Reinstalling the imprisoned Prime Minister's portrait yesterday, Mannan Bhuiyan said he want unity of the party and reforms.

Asked to comment on the new ACC list of corrupt suspects, he said corruption could not be erased from the society through coercion or repression, it needs social movement

Meanwhile, front ranking reformist leaders Major (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed and Dr Osman Farruk had a meeting with BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain on Thursday night at the later's NAM Building residence.

Meeting sources said Mannan Bhuiyan brought back the portrait of Begum Zia as outcome of the understanding reached between the two factions.