The surprising announcement came at a press conference at Presidium Member MA Zinnah's Gulshan residence where only a few journalists from television channels were invited.

LDP President Badruddoza Chowdhury and Secretary General Abdul Mannan said they were flabbergasted at the announcement. Sources close to them told The Daily Star late at night that they would clarify their position at a press conference today.

Oli's statements suggest that only formalities are left before the eight-month-old organisation splits.

The conflict between the factions led by B Chowdhury and Oli over establishing supremacy has been simmering for quite some time.

Addressing the press conference, Oli said B Chowdhury and Mannan have clearly stated that they would part company with the LDP.

He said Prof Jahanara Begum and Abdul Mannan went to B Chowdhury's house where the former president told them that he would not continue with the party.

"Major Mannan came to my house this evening and told me that he could not leave B Chowdhury," Oli told the reporters.

Oli, a former BNP standing committee member, said further decisions regarding the developments would come after discussion at the party forum.

Former speaker and LDP Presidium Member Sheikh Razzak Ali said B Chowdhury has quit the party after failing to establish dynastic rule.

Among others, Anwarul Kabir Talukder, Alamgir Kabir, Moni Swapan Dewan, Barrister Ziaur Rahman and Redwan Ahmed were present at the press conference.