BNP chairperson calls for forging unity of nationalist forces ahead of polls

FE Team | Published: September 29, 2008 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia called for forging unity of nationalist forces ahead of polls when JAGPA president Shafiul Alam Prodhan and National Peoples Party chairman Sheikh Shawkat Hossain Nilu met her today with the proposal to join the 4-party alliance, reports UNB.
Prodhan later told newsmen that he proposed to the BNP chief for expansion of the nationalist forces. "She agreed to consider the proposal," he said.
Asked if Sheikh Hasina on her return home invites JAGPA to join the 14-party alliance Prodhan said, "That may be considered. But we will be more comfortable in BNP led alliance."
A fiery Chhatra League leader of Dhaka University in the early 70s, Prodhan had joined Ershad's Jatiya party by dissolving JAGPA but soon he deserted JP. He is the son of renowned Muslim League leader Gamiruddin Prodhan who was deputy speaker of East Pakistan Assembly in early 60s.
NPP chairman Nilu said Khaleda is not only chairperson of BNP. She is the leader of the nationalist forces as well as chairman of the nationalist front. It is expected that she will lead all the nationalist forces in the upcoming election.
Replying to a question, he said, "We have proposed to join the 4-party alliance. Hopefully, she will accept us."
Enam Ahmed Chowdhury, adviser to BNP chairperson known as reformist, also met Khaleda separately. He said she advised him to forget the past mistakes and work united. "Confusion in the party has now been removed. Begum Zia has extended her hands of cooperation," said Enam, a retired top bureaucrat.
BNP office secretary Rizvi Ahmed who was present during the meetings said the chairperson has urged all the nationalist forces to get united ahead of the upcoming general election. She has underlined the importance of unity for restoration of democracy and safeguarding the national integrity and sovereignty. "Together we must resist any conspiracy."
Others who met the BNP chairperson included a delegation of BGMEA, Doctors Association, Jatiya Imam Samity, Kazi Samity, Khaleda Zia Sangskriti Parishad, non-government school teachers' association and some senior leaders of the party and front organizations before the iftar.