The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Acting secretary general of pro-reformist faction of BNP Maj (Retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed yesterday said that he would give up his current post of acting secretary general if the ongoing move for reunification of the two factions of the party succeeded.

"The BNP must be united at any cost before May 30 when the party will observe the death anniversary of its founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman," he emphasised when talking to newsmen at his Banani residence in the city.

The new stand of Hafiz apparently aims at changing his previous stance following the recent statement of acting chairman of the faction Saifur Rahman that he is no longer chairman of the party.

Saifur Rahman in his statement before his departure for Singapore also said his post became infractuous after the withdrawal of support by the party standing committee members who appointed him for the post on October 29 last year.

Maj Hafiz admitted that issues related to unifying the party are being discussed with the pro-Delwar faction of the BNP.

"I have no special interest in sticking to the party secretary general's office. I would like to see the party united at any cost," he said.

The BNP leader said he has no desire for any post rather he is ready to accept any decision to be taken by the party for its unity.

Asked to comment on Saifur's remarks Maj Hafiz, however, said it is his personal opinion and personal opinion does not change any decision.

Replying to a question, the BNP leader said the BNP will unitedly participate in the dialogue with the caretaker government and the parliamentary polls.

"I was present at more than one reconciliation meetings. I perceived from those meetings that BNP will soon be united and Khaleda Zia will lead it to forthcoming dialogue and elections," he added.

On delimitation of the parliamentary constituencies, Maj Hafiz said the Election Commission does not need to do it before the election as all political parties have already opposed it.

On GATCO case against Khaleda, he observed that it would be 'unfortunate' if the case was filed against her with political motive.

He demanded the release of Begum Zia saying that it would be possible to finalise the reform proposals through convening a national council, as Khaleda had hinted that she would consider the reforms.

BNP chairperson's adviser ZA Khan and former lawmaker Masud Arun, among others, were present during the briefing.