The New Nation - Internet Edition

Rafiqul Islam Azad

Leaders of pro-reformist faction of the BNP are still pursuing to return to the mainstream of the party but yet to get any nod from pro-Khaleda faction leader Khandoker Delwar Hossain who remains stick on his earlier position not to welcome them.

As part of the move, acting secretary general of the faction Maj (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed yesterday sought cooperation from the members of the party standing committee to help reunify the party.

He alleged that the reunification of the party could not be possible by May 30 due to non-cooperation of what he said the other faction of the party.

After hectic meetings among the leaders of both the factions early this month there was a move to reunify the party through a formal announcement by May 30, the martyrdom day of party's founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, but it could not be held due to unwillingness of Secretary General of pro-Khaleda faction of the party Khandoker Delwar Hossain.

Khandoker Delwar does not pay heed to accommodate the reformist leaders and activists with the mainstream from the very beginning of the reunification move taken by outspoken BNP leader Brig Gen (Retd) ASM Hannan Shah.

Secretary General of the pro-Khaleda faction of BNP earlier said that the reformists' leaders could return to the mainstream of the party confessing their mistakes.

He also ruled out any possibility of giving a formal declaration in this regard, which created impediment to the reunifying process.

Changing his previous stance, Khondoker Delwar yesterday pointing his finger to the reformist leaders, called upon party leaders and activists to strengthen the party removing disturbing elements, if there are inside the party.

On the other hand, Maj Hafiz said he still wants reunifying of the party saying that there is no alternative to the unity in the party.

Addressing a meeting to mark the 27th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, he cautioned that the party would have to face severe consequence in the ensuing elections if there is no unity in the party.

He held Khandoker Delwar Hossain responsible for not unification of the party saying that leaders and activists of the party are waiting for the unity.

The BNP leader regretted that they were waiting to get a call from other faction of the party to go to the mazar of Ziaur Rahman but in vain.

He argued that they proposed for taking reform in the party to bring discipline and practicing more democracy in the party and eliminate the politics of flattering.

The BNP faces split following the arrest of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia last year as some pro-reformist leaders announced a new group led by former finance minister M Saifur Rahman.

But the reformist group became frustrated after the statement of Saifur Rahman that he is no longer chairman of the BNP; rather Begum Zia is the chairperson of the party.

Meanwhile, Khondoker Delwar addressing a discussion meeting to mark the martyrdom day of Ziaur Rahman, called upon the government to hold election immediately giving equal opportunity to two detained former premiers-Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina and all parties.

About dialogue and election, he said BNP too wants the ongoing dialogue and election to be successful, but only after release of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina.

He also called upon the partymen to strengthen the party by being with the true leaders who would not deviate from principles.