BNP will assume power through polls under the leadership of acting chairperson M Saifur Rahman in absence of party chief Khaleda Zia, hopes Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, acting secretary general of the Saifur-led faction.

The pro-Khaleda faction, on the other hand, said Chairperson Khaleda Zia, party leaders and workers throughout Bangladesh have no relations with the Saifur-led committee announced by some leaders through a "midnight coup".

Rizvi Ahmed, a pro-Khaleda leader and acting office secretary, told reporters at his residence, "Party members across the country will remain united under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Khandaker Delwar Hossain. They have no relations with the Saifur Rahman-led committee".

But Hafiz said, "The standing committee did not challenge the decision taken by the chairperson. It has taken the helm in absence of chairperson considering present situation."

He claimed the Saifur-led faction the mainstream BNP while addressing a press briefing at his Banani residence yesterday.

Permission for Monday's meeting could not be obtained from the party chief as she was in jail, he said. But the party constitution says the standing committee is supposed to hold a meeting every month, he explained.

He said Khaleda made Delwar secretary general but the standing committee did not approve it, which is mandatory according to the constitution. "I'm the acting secretary general as the standing committee has approved me."

In response to the Saifur-led faction's activities, Rizvi said a few leaders betrayed the party.

Blasting Hafiz for his "controversial role" in November 1975, he said Hafiz also betrayed late president Ziaur Rahman while being his PS.

When asked, Hafiz did not agree to clarify his role in 1975.

District and thana level BNP leaders have meanwhile started expressing their reaction to the new leadership.

Terming the new committee "illegal", Rajshahi district unit chief Azizur Rahman and other leaders in a joint statement said party constitution authorises none but the chairperson to call the standing committee meeting.