The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Bottlenecks deterring the reunification of the BNP faction would start disappearing immediately after a meeting between the two top leaders-BNP (reformist) Acting Chairman M Saifur Rahman and Secretary General (anti-reform) Khandker Delwar Hossain.

Claiming this at a press conference, BNP Acting Secretary General Major (Retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed yesterday said a National Government could be formed with leaders of political parties, who had representation in the last Parliament, if the general elections could not be held this year due to any unavoidable circumstances.

"However we prefer forming such government after the election," Hafiz said.

The reformist group has decided to take along BNP Secretary General Khandker Delwar Hossain for talks with the Election Commission.

"We shall not go alone to the dialogue with the EC. We will take Delwar with us even if the court upholds the EC's invitation to me," said Maj Hafiz.

Hafizuddin told newsmen at his Banani residence that there was no alternative to unity for the party.

Hafizuddin welcomed the fresh move for unity initiated by Brig Gen (rtd)

ASM Hannan Shah, adviser to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Hannan on Wednesday said they are ready to sit with the reformist group at anytime, in any manner and expressed hope of uniting the party for the greater interest of the nation.

Hafizuddin said BNP is a major political party having roots among the masses. "Even if the current move does not succeed, necessity in the greater interest of the party and nation will compel them to unite before the election, if not immediately."

Answering to a question about the graft case tied to Barapukuria Coalmine Hafizuddin said it was a "sorry affair".

"There's nothing wrong in discharging the responsibilities according to the government rules and regulations," Hafizuddin told reporters at his Banani home.

He said the accused were innocent and they would eventually be acquitted of the charges.

Khaleda Zia and 15 other people, including many of her former cabinet colleagues, are accused in the case.

BNP will contest the polls unitedly under the leadership of chairperson Khaleda Zia, he added.

Replying to a question Hafizuddin said, their reform proposals will be placed before the next council session. He is hopeful of holding the council with Khaleda Zia in the chair.

"There had been no direction for running the party in the absence of the chairperson. That is why we had proposed for reforms in the party," said Hafizuddin.

He demanded election within this year in accordance with the roadmap announced by the Election Commission.