Khaleda loyalists want her release before talks

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The pro-Khaleda faction of BNP may not take part in the proposed dialogue with the government unless its chairperson Khaleda Zia is released.

A decision in this regard would come at a meeting planned for this week, said sources close to the group led by Khandaker Delwar Hossain, secretary general appointed by Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Those loyal to the now detained former prime minister however are not sure whether the government will invite them to the talks or follow the lead of the Election Commission (EC) that chose Saifur Rahman’s group for the electoral talks.

Some mid-level leaders and former lawmakers belonging to Delwar faction have been working to have a joint meeting of the senior leaders including standing committee members and top brass of the front organisations to decide whether to participate in the dialogue with the BNP chief still behind bars, added the sources.

However, if she asks them to join the talks they will follow her instructions, a former lawmaker close to Delwar told The Daily Star last night.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim at a press briefing said the government was preparing to hold the dialogue with political parties.

“I think it will begin this month,” he said, replying to a query.

According to insiders, Delwar and those siding with him are not in favour of attending any dialogue without Khaleda.

Brig Gen (retd) Hannan Shah, another key leader of the faction, has already said release of former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina is a must for the current crises to be resolved through discussions.

Meanwhile, Delwar, who returned home Thursday after spending a month abroad for treatment, has started exchanging views with his colleagues on issues concerning the organisation.

Addressing leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal at his Nam flat in the city yesterday, he said incompetence and short-sightedness of the caretaker government have caused the nation to slide into complete chaos.

“The present government is not accountable to public, and it does not even have the validity. Things have become unbearable due to absence of an elected government,” he observed.

He said chaos reigns not only in politics but in every sector including the judiciary as people continue to suffer because of food and other crises. “They are fed up and do not want anything except election,” he added.

Delwar said, “The TIB report published in newspapers shows how corruption is still rampant in the caretaker government.”

He alleged, “The government is in fact trying to implement a plot to repress politicians in the name of curbing corruption.”

Urging the Jubo Dal activists to remain united, he said a plan of action would be set soon in consultation with leaders of the party and front organisations.

Among others, BNP leaders Selima Rahman, Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Rizvi Ahmed, Sohrab Odin and Saiful Alam Nirob were present.

Meanwhile, BNP standing committee member and former lawmaker Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman yesterday said it is only a “matter of time” before reconciliation of the factions takes place.

The former army chief made the observation, talking to reporters after a discussion at the National Press Club. Rural Journalist Foundation organised the discussion to mark the Independence Day.

“We all want a united BNP,” said Mahbubur, a leader of the pro-reform faction.

“I think those who believe in ideals of late president Ziaur Rahman cannot stay divided for long,” he observed, and added that he would welcome Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar to take on the job to unify the party.

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