The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Leaders of both the factions of BNP yesterday expressed their conviction that a joint declaration of party unity would come before May 30, the death anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

They said BNP wants to join the government-sponsored dialogue under the leadership of their chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

BNP chairperson’s adviser Brig Gen (Retd) ASM Hannan Shah told reporters that senior leaders of both the factions reached consensus on the issue over telephone.

Talking to reporters’ at his New DOHS residence he said, “through some formalities remain, unity is now a matter of time.”

Hannan Shah said some doubts might be there in the minds of a few leaders, which would be removed shortly.

“The unity is a must before Ziaur Rahman’s death anniversary on May 30,” he observed.

Replying to a question, the outspoken BNP leader said release of the two detained leaders is essential to make the dialogue meaningful.

He apprehended that the GATCO case might disrupt the political dialogue with the Government.

About warrant of arrest against some senior leaders of BNP, he hoped that the Government would not take such a step to spoil the atmosphere of the dialogue and the elections.

He said they want withdrawal of state of emergency to create a congenial atmosphere for the elections.

Hannan Shah was scheduled to leave for USA last evening and he would return to Dhaka by May 30.

Acting secretary general of reformist faction of BNP Maj (Retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed told reporters that they want to join the dialogue under the leadership of Begum Zia.

Talking to reporters’ at his Banani house he reiterated that he would sacrifice everything for the interest of party unity.

Otherwise, he said, BNP will land in a further disastrous situation, he added.

Hafiz, however, alleged that a certain quarter is trying to hamper the unity process time and again.

He hoped that the unity in BNP will be unconditional and meeting of the party’s senior leaders will be convened to finalise the unity process.

He urged the party's standing committee members to take steps for unity.

He said that his party would not give any party a walkover in the next elections. "A united BNP will contest the next elections," he said.

Meanwhile, pro-Khaleda faction of BNP yesterday observed mass-fasting programme across the country demanding the release of detained party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

As part of the programme, the city unit of BNP observed mass-fasting at different places in the city including Motijheel and Lalbagh areas.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion in front of his NAM Flats residence, secretary general of BNP Khondoker Delwar Hossain yesterday called upon the partymen to get united to press home demand for the release of Begum Zia.

He said they want unity even though the unity is still in the party.

Khondoker Delwar Hossain said they are waiting for the direction of their party chairperson.

Among others, BNP leaders-Nazrul Islam Khan, Rizvi Ahmed and Selima Rahman were present.