Delwar terms new BNP leadership illegal

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BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain Tuesday disclosed that some people came to his apartment Sunday night and threatened to kill him and his family if he does not relinquish his party responsibility, reports UNB.
Talking to reporters from his hospital bed at BIRDEM in the city Tuesday afternoon, he said he came to know the names of the people and identified them.
After the incident, he said he was scared, felt sick and got admitted to the BIRDEM Monday.
"In my long political career, I've never received such death threat…I'm scared," the BNP secretary general said.
Seeking security of his life and family from the President, the Chief Adviser and lawyers of the Supreme Court, Delwar said if he is assured by the higher judiciary that he would get fair justice he would disclose the names of the people who threatened him.
Narrating the incident, he said the people from certain quarters came to his NAM apartment at about 9:30pm Sunday and asked him to sign on a paper.
Delwar said the paper contained his resignation, withdrawal of expulsion orders against Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and others and appointment of acting chairperson and acting secretary general of BNP by dropping Begum Khaleda Zia as chairperson.
"I did not sign the paper and I will not do it even if it costs my life," said Delwar who is undergoing treatment at BIRDEM cabin no. 1530. He is suffering from acute diabetes.
Delwar said because of the threat, he had to stay outside the
hospital overnight without telling his doctors.
Asked about new BNP leadership, he said they cannot convene the party's standing committee meeting without the chairperson's permission and called the new leadership illegal in accordance with the BNP constitution.
The standing committee meeting late Monday night relieved him of his secretary general post for health reasons.
He said it must be found out whether senior leaders attended the meeting voluntarily or unwillingly. "Those who have done it are betrayers and want to destroy BNP and nationalist forces."
Expressing confidence in Begum Zia's leadership, Delwar urged the BNP leaders and workers not to be misled and remain united under her leadership.
He said BNP had overcome many such storms and adverse situation and came to power thrice. "We'll be able to install BNP in power again under Begum Zia's leadership with people's support."
Acting office secretary Rizvi Ahmed, former lawmaker Maj (retd) Akhteruzzaman, Shirin Sultana, Rehana Akhter Ranu, among others, were present at Delwar's bedside.