Saifur calls for unity

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Acting BNP chief M Saifur Rahman Tuesday played down his appointment to the top post and called for unity in the party to win the upcoming national elections, reports bdnews 24.com. He said he had been steadfastly attached to his party since its inception and urged all to work together to help BNP win the polls.
"President Ziaur Rahman was my political leader. I have been in the party since 1977. Many of my fellow men left the party, but I continued to uphold the nationalist philosophy of the party.
"We must work together so that BNP emerges winner in the next election," the former finance minister told party followers at his Gulshan home.
He said getting appointed a leader somehow did not matter much and that what was more important was to stay united and consolidate the nationalist forces.
"It is not really a big issue who leads BNP today, our mission is to take forward and champion the late president Zia's philosophy. We must make efforts to keep BNP united and always remember that BNP is our party."
The BNP standing committee late Monday night unanimously appointed Saifur acting chief and Hafizudddin Ahmed secretary general.
The veteran leader warned party men against conspiracies.
"The country is passing through a transitional period. There might be elements lurking at home and abroad trying to breach our solidarity. That's why we have to stand united and save our nationalist fortress," he said.
AHM Mofazzal Karim and Nurul Huda Chowdhury congratulated Saifur on assumption of the new responsibility.
The party leaders and workers also went up to Hafizuddin's Banani home and congratulated him on his joining office as the acting secretary general.
Hafiz, too, urged the party men to work together for a smooth sailing in the coming elections.
"All of us have to work altogether. No split will be promoted in the party from now. Chairperson Khaleda Zia is behind bars, but we cannot stop our activities. We have to ready BNP for the next polls."