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Download PDF Leaders of the BNP faction led by Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan in a letter to the chief election commissioner (CEC) yesterday labelled Khaleda Zia’s decision to expel Bhuiyan and Ashraf as a violation of government restrictions on political activities.
By the same token, they questioned the appointment of Khandaker Delwar Hossain as the party’s secretary general.
A delegation led by BNP Vice-president Major (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed submitted the letter to CEC ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday evening. During an hour-long meeting at the commission, they tried to convince the election commissioners that Bhuiyan-led faction represents the mainstream BNP and deserves the EC’s invitation for the electoral talks beginning September 12.
Representing the pro-reform group they also requested the EC not to take cognisance of the letter sent by those loyal to Khaleda Zia.
Earlier on Wednesday, BNP’s new Secretary General Delwar wrote to the CEC and informed him about the latest changes in the party line-up. In the letter, the EC was requested not to communicate with Bhuiyan and expelled joint secretary general Ashraf Hossain for any official purpose with the BNP.
Earlier on September 2, Khaleda expelled Bhuiyan and Ashraf from the BNP for what she said was attempting to split the party.
The meeting between the followers of Bhuiyan and the EC took place at a time when the commission has been struggling to decide which of the factions to be invited for the dialogue on electoral reforms.
The delegation assured the EC of all-out support in holding the ninth parliamentary election in a free and fair manner.
“The election commissioners told us that they will read the letter and take a decision in time after discussion among themselves,” former water resources minister Hafizuddin told reporters coming out of the commission.
“We requested the Election Commission to take proper steps to keep the party united,” Hafiz said.
The EC has earlier said they have a lot of time for making a decision in this regard since the BNP is scheduled for talks on November 22. CEC ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday reiterated the same view.
The letter brought up a number of points seeking to rationalise that pro-Bhuiyan faction is the real BNP.
Signed by BNP Office Secretary Mofiqul Hasan Tripti, it said before her arrest on September 3, the chairperson expelled Bhuiyan and Ashraf in an undemocratic and illegal manner. “We have rejected the decision. Leaders of national executive committee, former lawmakers and presidents and secretaries of district units have endorsed our rejection,” read the letter.
Bhuiyan and Ashraf were not even served any show-cause notice and the chairperson took the decision unilaterally without consulting the standing committee or national executive committee, the letter claimed.
“She has taken the measures to foil the initiative to bring reforms in the political parties and electoral system,” it alleged.
Hafizuddin however said Khaleda Zia is still their chairperson and they wonder how come she issued the expulsion orders.
“United, the BNP will contest the next parliamentary election. A split will eventually help its main rival Awami League,” he noted.
Chairperson’s Advisers Mofazzal Karim and Major General (retd) ZA Khan were the other members of the delegation that arrived at the EC on 4:30pm. The CEC welcomed them in his office room. The two other election commissioners—Muhammed Sohul Hussain and Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain–were present at the meeting.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:44 am
“Talking about desperation”!
The Election Commissioner has nothing to do with the political parties infighting, I wonder how he will overcome the situation, unless he has any intention or interest.