BNP won't join dialogue with EC 'until release of Khaleda'

---

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will not join dialogue with the Election Commission (EC) until party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is released.
New BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain said this while briefing journalists at his NAM apartment in the city Tuesday, reports UNB.
"My prime responsibility is to run the party on the right track and secure the release of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia through legal means", the BNP secretary general said.
He rejected the notion that BNP had been split up through expulsion of Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan.
"Those who want to bring about split in the party do not know about its consequences", he added.
The secretary general said after assuming the new responsibility he had contacts with members of the standing committee, central committee, former lawmakers and district level leaders and workers of the party.
He urged BNP leaders and workers at all tiers to remain united at this critical hour.
Replying to a question, he said there was no provision in BNP constitution of accepting or rejecting the notice of expulsion.
The new BNP secretary general demanded lifting of the state of emergency and ban on indoor politics for holding a meaningful and neutral election.
"It is the duty of the EC to assist us in accordance with the constitution", he said.
The BNP leader said without consulting with the political parties, the EC has already started different works including voter identity (ID) cards.
Replying to another question, he said it would be seen at the time of elections what the EC had done.
Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson's adviser Hannan Shah said the government could not arrest anyone on the basis of mere complaints without finding specific proof through inquiry.
Welcoming Khandaker Delwar Hossain as the BNP secretary general, Hannan Shah said Khaleda Zia did the right thing by giving the responsibility to an efficient leader.