PDP faces split over leadership

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A clear split opened in the newly formed Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), a day after a 251-member national committee was announced, reports bdnew24.com.

In a statement released Saturday, two members of the party's standing committee, HMA Gaffar and vice-president Dewan Nurun Nabi and founder member Tajul Islam Chowdhury relieved party chairman Ferdous Ahmed Quarishi from all responsibilities.

"We cannot leave a prospective party like PDP in the hands of failed leader, grabber and extortionist. We relieve Ferdous Ahmed Quarishi from all responsibility of the party," they said in the statement. The statement also announced formation of a committee comprising the three leaders.

Quarishi could not be reached immediately for comment.

However, PDP secretary general Noor Mohammad Khan said, "The three leaders do not have jurisdiction to relieve (Quarishi).