Hannan urges EC to withdraw invitation or face legal action

---

BNP chairperson's adviser Hannan Shah Tuesday urged the Election Commission (EC) to revise its decision regarding the invitation to acting BNP secretary general Hafizuddin Ahmed for dialogue on electoral reforms, report bdnews24.com and UNB.
"Otherwise, stern actions would be taken through legal means in a day or two," he said while talking to the reporters at his DOHS residence.
Shah said, if the EC does not change its decision, a question would arise in public mind across the country about free and fair elections as well as EC's neutrality.
He said, "We've already received a verbal instruction from Khaleda Zia to move to court for redress."
Hannan Shah's demand came a day after the EC invited acting chief M Saifur Rahman-led BNP faction to the dialogue on electoral reforms, slated for Nov 22.
Shah said, the BNP leaders, workers and supporters at home and abroad condemned the EC's decision and rejected it.
"BNP is one party, and it is being guided under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Khandaker Delwar Hossain. We're the vanguards of Sheaf of Paddy," he said.
He said, the Hafizuddin-run BNP faction had 'mugged' the leadership of the party with the aid of a certain quarter. The leaders and activists of BNP would reject the decision through movement, he claimed.
About controversy over the past role of Major (retd) Hafiz, Shah said, those who were involved in arresting Ziaur Rahman, would not be allowed to offer 'fateha' at his graveyard on November 7. "All should be aware so that no conspirer of the Nov 3 can go there today."