The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Some 25 retired army officers Sunday joined BNP with the prospect of contesting the upcoming election on the party ticket.

Led by Lt Col (rtd) Mohammad Abdul Khaleque they met with BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan office Sunday night and expressed their loyalty to her leadership in advancing the nation towards progress and prosperity.

Welcoming the newcomers Khaleda asked them to work unitedly for achieving victory in the election.

The former army officers coming from different parts of the country joined BNP are:

Brig Gen Nasiruddin Sarwar, Birg Gen Nasiruddin Ahmed, Lt Col AHM Ruhul Islam

Lt Col M Badiur Rahman, Col Mohammad Shahjahan Mia, Col Abdul Latif, Lt Col M Shahidullah, Major Hanifuddin Sheikh, Major Syed Abu Bakar Siddique, Major M Ashrafuzzaman, Major M Farooq Ahmed, Major Niad Ahmed Jaber, Col M Nurul Islam

Group Captain M Shamsuzzoha, Lt Col Shamsul Islam, Captain Dr Qamrul Ahsan

Lt Col Qamrul Ahmed, Lt Col Abul Bashar, Major Dr M Rezaul Haq, Lt Col MA Maleq Bhuiyan, Commodore Shafiqur Rahman, Lt Col Noor Mohammad, Lt Col M Zillur Rahman, Major Wadud Deedar

Two others joined BNP are Advocate Mahboob Hossain and Sarfuddin Ahmed Sentu. Sentu who was defeated with a narrow margin in the mayoral election in Barisal City recently has deserted PDP.

BNP senior leaders including Lt Gen (rtd) Mahbubur Rahman, Air Vice Marshal (rtd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Brig Gen (rtd) ASM Hannan Shah, Wing Commander (rtd) Hamidullah and Major (rtd) Sharif were present at the joining function.