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Download PDF The pro-Khaleda Zia BNP faction yesterday welcomed the Election Commission’s (EC) reported decision to invite the party’s new secretary general to the ongoing dialogue on electoral reforms.
On the other hand, the pro-reform group led by expelled secretary general Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan said they doubt if the commission had really decided anything of that sort. They warned that the aim to hold a free and fair election would not be fulfilled if it opts to ask anyone else instead of them to participate in the talks that began on September12.
With Chairperson Khaleda Zia being detained on corruption charges since September 3, both the groups have been vying to get an invitation as the ones representing the mainstream BNP. The dialogue between the commission and the immediate past ruling party is slated for November 22.
According to media reports, CEC Dr ATM Shamsul Huda on Thursday said the EC has examined the BNP constitution and decided that Khandaker Delwar Hossain deserves the invitation as the BNP secretary general.
Brig Gen (retd) Hannan Shah, an adviser to the chairperson, thanked the CEC for the decision that he said is a timely one.
“I hope now they will refrain from making a duplicate BNP,” he said hinting at Bhuiyan and his allies.
He added that any decision to be taken by the expelled partymen in the name of BNP is bound to be adjudged illegal.
Talking to the reporters at his Mohakhali residence, Hannan said he believes the CEC’s comments would discourage those who have been out to create confusion regarding who the real BNP are.
“Now it is proved who leads the mainline,” he said adding that the party’s door however is still open for those who want to return to the fold admitting their mistakes.
Replying to a query, he said they would finalise the strategy and stance for the talks through discussions at the party forum. But first, they would have to know the dialogue agenda.
Meanwhile, Ashraf Hossain, expelled joint secretary general of BNP, yesterday said EC’s electoral roadmap would fall flat on its face if the commission decides to invite anyone other than them [pro-Bhuiyan faction].
Talking to reporters at his NAM flat, he also said, “It is not clear yet what the CEC has in fact said. We still hope we will be invited since we represent the main BNP.”
He claimed that most of the members of the central executive committee are with them and said the EC should consider the matter before deciding on who to invite.
It would be like holding talks with a bunch of corrupt people if the commission sits with them, he said in an oblique reference to the rival faction.
Referring to Khaleda’s decision to dismiss him and Bhuiyan from the BNP, he said they still do not believe that the former premier has expelled them.
He said the expulsion orders are unconstitutional and the party council would decide on the issue.
CEC DENIES NEWSPAPER REPORTS
UNB adds: CEC ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday denied some newspaper reports that the commission has decided to invite BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain to the dialogue on electoral reforms.
“I firmly deny the reports. We’ve not taken any decision whatsoever regarding the invitation to BNP for the dialogue,” he told the news agency over telephone.
He said he did not make any such comments to reporters. The decision regarding the BNP would be taken at a full-fledged meeting of the EC after scrutinising the party constitution, he added.
The CEC said there is still enough time ahead of the scheduled date for dialogue with the BNP. The EC might meet at the end of this month or in the first week of next month.
“We can’t invite both the groups. After examining what the BNP constitution has to say regarding the expulsions, we will invite one group,” he said.
Replying to another query, Huda said the commission would send the invitation letter and working papers 15 days before the meeting date.
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