City Elections : BNP may go soft on poll-runners

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BNP might not take disciplinary action against those who will participate in the August 4 polls though the party is not likely to change its stance against the local elections.

Considering the enthusiasm of the rank and file for elections and their views that the party would lose ground in local politics if it decides to boycott the polls, the BNP high-ups are now taking a soft line with those who intend to take part in the elections, said party insiders.

Archrival Awami League’s (AL) decision to participate in the polls is another reason for their easing up on the ones defying the party decisions.

A BNP leader yesterday told The Daily Star, “The party would neither endorse the contestants nor discipline them for their participation. It might even welcome those who would emerge victorious.”

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he also said BNP chief Khaleda Zia might give fresh directions to that end when she would appear before a court for hearing Monday.

Following the announcement of polls schedules last month, BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain and leaders of the four-party alliance declared they would not accept any elections before the parliamentary polls and disciplinary measures would be taken against those who would run in the local elections.

Despite instructions from the high command not to join the electoral race, at least 10 local BNP leaders have filed nominations for mayoral race in the city corporations while over 100 have registered their names as candidates for councillor’s posts.

Meanwhile, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, acting secretary general of pro-Saifur faction, yesterday said they are ready to cancel the decisions taken at the October 29 standing committee meeting for the sake of a united BNP.

He said there would be no obstacles to reuniting the party if both the factions could sit to resolve their differences.

About the upcoming polls, he said, “BNP should face its opponents through participating in the local body elections.”

In response to Hafiz’s comment, Khandaker Delwar said there is no need for a formal or informal dialogue since everyone can work for the organisation from his/her position.

The BNP standing committee at a controversial meeting on October 29 last year appointed M Saifur Rahman as acting chairperson and Hafiz as acting secretary general of the party.

VIEW EXCHANGE WITH DINAJPUR DISTRICT LEADERS
Leaders of Dinajpur district BNP and its front organisations yesterday met Khandaker Delwar Hossain at his residence in the capital.

During the meeting, the secretary general urged the party leaders to remain alert to any conspiracy against BNP and the country.

Criticising the caretaker government, he said, “They [government] are the opponent of BNP and the nationalistic force and that is why they are keeping the BNP chairperson and her sons behind bars.”

Standing committee member Chowdhury Tanveer Ahmed Siddique, Joint Secretary General Nazrul Islam Khan, acting office secretary Rizvi Ahmed, among others, were present.

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