BNP unity likely if reformists accept decisions of Khaleda Zia: Delwar
Monday, 10 December 2007
BNP Secretary General Khondoker Delwar Hossain has said unity in the party is possible only if the reformists give up their programme and other activities accepting the decisions of chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Talking to the newsmen in connection with the unity move in the BNP Sunday, he admitted that the reformists' leader, M Saifur Rahman, had contacted him over phone, reports UNB.
"But I've told him that the BNP is already united under the leadership of Khaleda Zia. They should give up their programme and other activities, and accept decisions of the chairperson to return to the party," said Delwar.
"I've also told him (Saifur) that no decision can be taken without the permission of the chairperson," he added in an uncompromising tone.
Apprehending that Khaleda Zia, now under detention, will soon be brought to trial on charge of corruption, Delwar reiterated the demand for trial of all political leaders under the laws existing before the emergency.
He said lawyers, civil society and the people at large are in doubt whether the trial under the Emergency Powers Rules and emergency would be fair.
It must be ensured that the judges of the special courts, holding trial of the political leaders, are not influenced or biased.
About the future polls, the BNP secretary general said no election would be acceptable if the major parties are not allowed to contest on ground of democratisation within the party. Emergency has to be lifted for holding a meaningful election.
"Doubts are being voiced in different circles about the election. The government will have to take steps for the restoration of confidence among the parties and the people that election will be free and fair," he added.
Delwar said it is essential to release the detained BNP and Awami League chiefs and lifting of emergency to create political atmosphere and confidence.
He also demanded release of teachers and students of Dhaka and Rajshahi universities who were arrested during the campus violence.
Talking to the newsmen in connection with the unity move in the BNP Sunday, he admitted that the reformists' leader, M Saifur Rahman, had contacted him over phone, reports UNB.
"But I've told him that the BNP is already united under the leadership of Khaleda Zia. They should give up their programme and other activities, and accept decisions of the chairperson to return to the party," said Delwar.
"I've also told him (Saifur) that no decision can be taken without the permission of the chairperson," he added in an uncompromising tone.
Apprehending that Khaleda Zia, now under detention, will soon be brought to trial on charge of corruption, Delwar reiterated the demand for trial of all political leaders under the laws existing before the emergency.
He said lawyers, civil society and the people at large are in doubt whether the trial under the Emergency Powers Rules and emergency would be fair.
It must be ensured that the judges of the special courts, holding trial of the political leaders, are not influenced or biased.
About the future polls, the BNP secretary general said no election would be acceptable if the major parties are not allowed to contest on ground of democratisation within the party. Emergency has to be lifted for holding a meaningful election.
"Doubts are being voiced in different circles about the election. The government will have to take steps for the restoration of confidence among the parties and the people that election will be free and fair," he added.
Delwar said it is essential to release the detained BNP and Awami League chiefs and lifting of emergency to create political atmosphere and confidence.
He also demanded release of teachers and students of Dhaka and Rajshahi universities who were arrested during the campus violence.