The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Secretary General of pro-Khaleda faction of BNP Khandoker Delwar Hossain yesterday said that if the reformist leaders want to return to the party they must admit their mistake and cancel the October 29 meeting, which divided the party.

"They (reformists) can return to the party by confessing their wrongs and cancelling the decision of October 29 meeting," he told reporters after a meeting with lawyers from Jhalakathi led by Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum president Advocate Khan A Karim at his NAM apartment.

The statement was made when leaders of two factions are continuing talks on unity over the last few days but yet to succeed.

The BNP Secretary General ruled out any unity meeting with the party's reformist faction.

He justified that when there is no disunity, no need to make any joint declaration or statement for unity of the party.

The BNP leader said there is no bar to the dissidents returning to BNP after making a better statement than what Saifur Rahman made.

"Why should I make a joint declaration? If they (reformists) are sincere let them admit their mistake," he observed.

Khandoker Delwar said the reformists' leaders, except those were expelled by the chairperson, could work retaining their previous posts.

He, however, said that the reformists' leaders have to gain confidence of party activists as well as people through their work.

Khondoker Delwar urged the lawyers to play a role in a movement for establishing the rule of law, human rights and democracy in the country.

"There is no alternative to democracy. Certain quarters tried to break BNP but their evil design has failed," he said.

The BNP leader emphasised the need for strengthening the BNP at the grassroots level.

"Those who have worked for the party in difficult times would be evaluated and recognised," he said.

He called for taking preparation for movement to free Khaleda Zia and other political leaders.

Earlier, some former party MPs met with Khandoker Delwar Hossain at his apartment.