The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Reformist BNP leader Maj (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed yesterday urged secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain to immediately sit for unity talks formally or informally to remove misunderstanding within the party.

"We do the same party. We've some misunderstanding amongst us. A single sitting formally or informally could put an end to all the misunderstanding. Any hurdles on the way to unity will be removed," he told media personnel at his Banani house.

Hafiz however cautioned that the immediate-past ruling party, already troubled by wrangling, would have to get into a difficult situation if the party could not be united. "Disunity at this critical time will not be good for anybody," he said.

In reply to a question about the alleged government-Awami League camaraderie, he said despite the reported entente, a united BNP would win the elections. "BNP is a popular party and a united BNP is able to frustrate any conspiracy."

Hafiz thought that the 4-party alliance should make more contacts with the people and take part in the local-body elections.

He said BNP would have been more strengthened at grassroots level if the party had joined the local elections.

Hafiz noted that common people are deeply involved in local elections. Representatives of the local government give services to the people. "We thought BNP would take part in these elections and give reply to our opponents," he said.