The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

BNP's expelled joint secretary general Ashraf Hossain on Sunday ruled out the possibility of shaking hands with their rivals (Delwar faction) claiming that they are the mainstream BNP.

"We're the real BNPtquestion doesn't arise of returning to them. Rather, others will have to come to us because we have given some proposals and they'll have to consider those and establish unity in the party," he said.

Talking to reporters after a meeting with Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, the expelled secretary general, at his Gulshan house, Ashraf also dismissed the allegation that they did not bring any BNP men resorting to coercive tactics.

"We believe in democracy and want to take all decisions democratically. Those who believe in democracy and healthy politics have sided with us," he said.

In reply to a question, he said whoever is elected chairman through

the party's election process will lead BNP. "We've no objection if Kahleda Zia is elected chairperson by councilors through election," he added.

Ashraf who was a whip in last parliament said they want to build up BNP as an ideal party through joint leadership but others want to establish unilateral or family dynasty. "We've made some proposals to establish joint leadership in BNP by ending unilateral leadership," he said.